JICA is pleased to support the AI4EAC Innovation Challenge Hackathon, which will take place on 28–29 March 2026 in a hybrid format. Information regarding designated physical hub locations will be announced in the coming days.

The hackathon is organised by Zindi in collaboration with the East African Community (EAC) AI Alliance and regional partners. Participation is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, recent graduates (who graduated last year and still have access to their student email account), and coding bootcamp students from the East African Community (EAC): Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
Participants will compete during an intensive 48-hour innovation sprint. The event will be preceded by a series of virtual pre-hackathon (practice challenge) briefings beginning from 6 March 2026, designed to orient participants to the challenge structure and problem statements.

During the two-day hackathon, participants will work to develop artificial intelligence (AI)–based solutions addressing priority sectors,- including, Health, Finance & Trade, Education and Agriculture - with a focus on practical applications relevant to regional development challenges. The challenges are structured across beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, enabling participants with varying degrees of experience to engage meaningfully. Health and Finance & Trade are aimed at beginner participants, Education is structured for intermediate-level participants, and Agriculture is designed for advanced users.

Participants may take part fully online or join one of the designated physical hub locations, where convenient.


Winning teams will compete for:
• A share of up to USD 30,000 in prize funding (from another funder’s grant)
• Opportunities for paid remote internships with leading technology organisations
• Continued access to advanced AI training, mentorship, and compute resources
• Regional recognition through participation in a hybrid award ceremony

The hackathon forms part of a broader effort to strengthen AI capabilities across Africa. In the lead-up to the event, participants have had access to structured learning opportunities, practical challenges and technical mentorship designed to build foundational and intermediate AI skills. This integrated approach aims to ensure that emerging talent is equipped not only to compete, but to contribute meaningfully to the region’s digital transformation.

Through this initiative, JICA, together with partners including GIZ and UNESCO, continues to promote human resource development and innovation ecosystems that support sustainable and inclusive growth across East Africa.

Registration is still open.

Further information and registration details are available at:
https://zindi.africa/ai4eac