Every great movement starts with an idea, a spark of innovation that aims to change the status quo. For the CivicTech Fellowship 2024, that spark ignited in September 2024, bringing together some of the youngest and brightest minds in civic technology across Nigeria. A journey of learning, collaboration, and impact-driven innovation followed.

In the 2024 cohort, the Civic Hive biennial CivicTech Fellowship received an impressive 1,599 applications from Nigeria and beyond, a testament to the need for civic tech solutions in governance, justice, health, education, climate, and more. After a rigorous selection process, 76 changemakers stood out and were invited to pitch their innovative solutions at regional hackathons held across Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. 

During the regional hackathons, participants demonstrated how civictech can address pressing societal issues. Among the numerous compelling solutions presented, 16 fellows distinguished themselves and were chosen for the incubation phase; a comprehensive three-month program focused on refining and scaling their solutions for real-world impact.

From September to December 2024, shortlisted civic tech fellows embarked on an intense journey of mentorship, hands-on learning, and skill refinement. They participated in masterclasses led by industry leaders and experts, including Oluseun Onigbinde (BudgIT), Aisha Yesufu (Citizens Hub), Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho (Future Software Resources), Joel Ogunsola (Tech4Dev & Prunedge), and many others. The sessions covered a variety of topics, including organizational efficiency, funding strategies, technology adoption, governance partnerships, and digital disruption. These facilitators and mentors sharpened their strategies, validated their ideas, and developed sustainable solutions. 

The impact has been evident beyond technology, the fellows’ work began to influence grassroots actions, policies and spark systemic change in their respective focus areas. Here are some notable policy shifts and anticipated outcomes from our fellows:

• Peter Oyinmiebi (Logalab.NG): His advocacy for local government accountability is contributing to granting Nigerian local governments more autonomy. Future policies may strengthen the electoral process and promote open budget systems at the grassroots.
• Rotr. Ifunanya Jessica Okoye: Engaged the Anambra Attorney General and Ministry of Justice to improve case tracking and legal representation. This work has fueled discussions on digitizing case management systems to prevent wrongful incarceration.
• Ogechi Nwonye-Bernard: Collaborated on the Enugu Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA), contributing to the state’s climate policy and supporting waste management reforms.
• Varnessa Kayen Varlyngton: Advocated for climate education for children, including writing open letters and gathering petitions to integrate environmental awareness into school curriculums.
• Obinna Onykwere: Foresees policy advancements in telemedicine and AI-driven health tracking, influencing chronic disease prevention and treatment frameworks.
• Yahuza Sani Hudu: Successfully introduced a policy within student unions to incorporate biodiversity awareness into regular discussions, fostering campus-wide behavioral change in waste management.
• Comfort Usman Kariko: Collaborated with Kaduna State Peace Commission to develop a Mediation Manual, formalizing grassroots peacebuilding and digital Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.

Fast forward to February 2025, and it was time to celebrate progress and showcase impact. The Civic Tech Fellowship Close-Out Ceremony in Abuja was a defining moment for the 12 fellows who had successfully completed the program.

On Day 1, the close-out began with an insightful session led by experts from BudgIT, including Dr. Biobele Davidson, Vahyala T. Kwaga, and Enebi Opaluwa. They shared invaluable lessons on governance, climate action, and healthcare. Following this, the fellows participated in a reflection session with Joseph Amenghawon, the Civic Hive Team Lead, where they discussed their personal and professional growth and what lies ahead after the fellowship. To conclude the day, the fellows visited MacArthur Foundation in Abuja and met with the Deputy Director of the MacArthur Foundation in Nigeria, Dr. Amina Salihu, and Hauwa Kazeem, Senior Programs Associate. They discussed their journeys, the solutions they are developing, and how civic technology can shape policies and drive systemic change.

On Day 2, the grand finale filled with pitches, networking, and celebration. Fellows showcased their refined solutions to distinguished guests that included special guests such as Aisha Yesufu, a thought leader, and Oluwa-Demilade Kosemani from the High Commission of Canada. 

The graduation marked the beginning of the remarkable impact that these civic tech solutions are set to make. The fellowship’s legacy lies in the change it brings to the fellows and the communities they serve. They will advance civic engagement, enhance governance, and develop sustainable solutions to address urgent societal challenges.

The CivicTech Fellowship 2024 stands as evidence that real change occurs when technology is combined with purpose. The adventure continues, and the anticipation builds for the next generation of civictech leaders in 2026.