Introduction

On Wednesday, 21st May 2025, history was made as civic societies, activists, policy makers and analysts, politicians and technologists gathered in Lagos, Nigeria, for the inaugural West Africa Civic Tech Conference 2025, hosted by The Civic Hive. This landmark event underscored the growing significance of Civic Technology (CivicTech) as a driving force for democratic strengthening across the region. Preceded by a dynamic two-day hackathon (19th–20th May), the conference served as a rallying point for stakeholders committed to reimagining governance and catalyzing innovation to protect and promote democratic values in West Africa.

The Hackathon: Ideating Solutions for Democratic Resilience
The conference began with an intensive Civic Tech hackathon that brought together a vibrant cohort of young African innovators. Collaborating in cross-functional teams, participants designed sustainable digital tools to address the systemic vulnerabilities undermining democratic governance in West Africa. Before the hackathon breakout sessions, several speakers ruminated on their works and charged the participation in several areas. These charges include:

•  
• - Democracy and the Crisis of Governance in West Africa – Participants examined structural failures such as endemic corruption, institutional weakness, and political instability that continue to erode public trust
•  
• - Governance and Democratic Fragility: A Case for Civic Tech – Discussions highlighted how Civic Tech can serve as a pivotal instrument for driving transparency, participatory governance, and citizen oversight.
•  
• - Elections and Electioneering in Africa – The group was charged by reflecting on persistent electoral malpractice and developed tech-based strategies to ensure credible, inclusive, and transparent electoral processes
•  
• - Protecting Human Rights Work in Hostile Environments – The teams explored digital security tools and support mechanisms to protect the work of journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society actors operating under repressive conditions.

During the hackathon breakout sessions, participants presented prototypes targeting six thematic areas:

- Accountability and Transparency

•  
• - Justice and Human Rights
•  
• - Elections and Electoral Integrity
•  
• - Media and Journalism
•  
• - Civic Education and Political Participation
•  
• - Protection of Civic Space

Oluwasegun, Our Head of Programmes, brainstorming with other participants during the event.

Reformers of Africa, represented by our Head of Programmes, Olusegun Ajetunmobi, played an active role in the hackathon breakout sessions, contributing to the ideation of a new tool focused on accountability and transparency. This emerging solution is designed to complement and enhance existing Civic Tech platforms such as BudgIT, and The Citizens Watch, reinforcing mechanisms for public accountability across West Africa. 

The Citizens Watch, an accountability tool that tracks the promises of administrators in Nigeria, is an initiative of Reformers of Africa.

The Main Conference: Charting a Path for West Africa’s Fragile Democracies

The main conference on 21st May featured a compelling lineup of speakers representing civil society, political institutions, and the media. Panel discussions and keynote presentations unpacked the complex dynamics of democratic fragility in West Africa and proposed actionable strategies to address them. Key takeaways included:

• - Technology is important for deepening government accountability and responsiveness. Yet, participants were warned that technology without the people in mind will not work.
•  
• - Fostering institutional collaboration between civic actors and policymakers to embed democratic reforms.
•  
• - Strengthening media freedom and civic activism in the face of rising authoritarianism and shrinking civic space.

The conference emphasized that sustainable democratic progress in the region depends not only on innovation but also on collective will, strategic partnerships, and long-term commitment to good governance.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The West Africa Civic Tech Conference 2025 was more than an event—it was a mobilization. It reaffirmed the power of innovation, collective voice, and civic resolve in confronting governance deficits and authoritarian threats. By embracing Civic Tech and nurturing regional collaboration, West Africa stands poised to reshape its democratic future.

This historic gathering created a robust platform for cross-sectoral engagement, idea incubation, and the co-creation of solutions that place citizens at the center of governance.

“As the curtains closed on this transformative convening, one message resonated deeply: the future of democracy in West Africa lies with its people—empowered by technology, united in purpose, and steadfast in their demand for justice, inclusion, and accountability.”