GirlCode Opens Applications for 2026 Pan-African Hackathon
GirlCode Opens Applications for 2026 Pan-African Hackathon. Young women with an interest in technology, coding and entrepreneurship can now apply for the 2026 GirlCode Pan-African Hackathon, as the non-profit organisation expands its flagship programme to include female technology founders for the first time.
Now in its 12th year, the annual hackathon will be hosted across six African countries between August and September, bringing together aspiring developers and women-led technology businesses to tackle real-world challenges using coding, financial technology (fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI).
The programme will begin in Botswana and South Africa from 15 to 16 August, before moving to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 5 to 6 September. The final leg of the hackathon will take place in Ghana from 11 to 12 September.
This year’s edition introduces a new element by welcoming female technology founders to participate alongside aspiring coders. According to GirlCode, the expanded format is intended to encourage greater collaboration between entrepreneurs and emerging technology talent while exposing participants to practical business and innovation challenges.
Throughout the programme, participants will work on technology-based solutions, receive mentorship from industry professionals and have opportunities to present their projects to technology leaders and other stakeholders.
GirlCode founder and chief executive officer Zandile Mkwanazi said the organisation remains committed to creating more opportunities for women to succeed in technology.
“We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and partners, whose continued support enables us to expand our reach and create meaningful opportunities for young women across the continent. GirlCode is committed to empowering the girl-child and demonstrating that women can excel across all areas of technology.”
She added that the programme aims to remove barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in the technology sector while encouraging young women to develop their ideas and confidence.
The 2026 hackathon is supported by several organisations, including Absa Group, Truecaller, MTN, SAP Fioneer, RS South Africa and Ninety One.
Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy and Transformation for Africa Regions, said the addition of small business founders will strengthen the programme by bringing practical business perspectives into the learning experience while creating opportunities for startups to access mentorship and industry connections.
Mmathebe Zvobwo, Director of Market Development for South Africa at Truecaller, said building an inclusive digital economy requires greater participation from women in technology and welcomed the partnership with GirlCode.
GirlCode said the hackathon is designed to equip participants with practical experience while strengthening Africa’s pipeline of female technology talent through hands-on learning, collaboration and innovation.
