INEC, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Rise Networks launch AI hackathon ahead of 2027 elections

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Rise Networks, in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Meta, Google, Microsoft and other partners, has launched an artificial intelligence hackathon to develop technology solutions to electoral challenges ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The #AI4Elections Hackathon 2026–2027 will bring together Nigerian developers, researchers, university students, electoral experts, and civil society organisations to develop practical, responsible AI tools to support electoral processes, according to a statement the organisers shared with PREMIUM TIMES.

Participants will be competing for a total of N10 million in cash prizes across all categories. The overall winner will receive N4 million, while the second- and third-place winners will receive N2.5 million and N1.5 million, respectively.

Four additional awards of N500,000 each will recognise outstanding projects in research and policy innovation, electoral and civic inclusion, responsible AI and safety, and cybersecurity and resilience.

Applications opened on 22 October and will close on 12 November, followed by a national grand finale and innovation showcase in Lagos on 16 December, then technical support for selected projects.

Other partners in the initiative include the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), NITHUB at the University of Lagos, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), CLEEN Foundation, Tap Initiative for Citizens’ Development, the International Press Centre, Legal Naija, Ahmadu Bello University and the Federal University of Technology, Akure.

The programme is supported by the MacArthur Foundation and Luminate.

In a statement announcing the initiative, the organisers said the competition would focus on addressing challenges such as misinformation, AI-generated fake images and videos, cybersecurity threats, privacy risks and access to reliable electoral information.

Rise Networks said the programme would combine the hackathon with an AI4Elections Development Hub to support the testing and refinement of promising solutions, and an Electoral Community of Practice to sustain collaboration among innovators, researchers, mentors, and other stakeholders.

The initiative builds on Run-Am, an AI-powered misinformation detection and fact-checking mobile application developed by Rise Networks for Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.

Speaking on the initiative, Rise Networks founder Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji said it aims to ensure AI innovation strengthens Nigeria’s electoral process rather than introducing new risks, stressing the need to protect citizens’ rights and uphold transparency, privacy, and human oversight.

Ms Akerele-Ogunsiji said Nigeria must actively use artificial intelligence to safeguard electoral integrity, improve access to reliable information, and build public confidence in democratic institutions.

“Our ambition is not to introduce technology for technology’s sake,” she said. “We are committed to promoting responsible AI innovation that respects the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, protects citizens’ rights, and prioritises transparency, privacy, and human oversight. Innovation must strengthen our democracy, not create new vulnerabilities for it.”

The competition will cover five areas: trustworthy electoral information; electoral data analysis and decision support; inclusive and multilingual electoral and civic technology; electoral cybersecurity and resilience; and election observation and citizen accountability. Climate resilience and environmental innovation will be an optional cross-cutting area.

“The #AI4Elections Hackathon is specifically designed as a design and development competition, and participants are expected to use Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies to develop working solutions addressing clearly defined electoral challenges rather than submit ideas, presentations, or “mock-ups alone, ” the statement said.

The hackathon is open to Nigerians aged 18 and above, including students, researchers, software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity professionals, technology entrepreneurs and civil society practitioners. Applicants may participate individually or in teams of up to four members.

The organisers said entries must be submitted in English.

It added that projects that have previously received grants, awards or recognition in other competitions will not be accepted.

Organisers said entries will be assessed on technical functionality, innovation, relevance to electoral challenges, practical usefulness, cybersecurity, privacy protection, responsible AI practices, scalability and feasibility.

“Unauthorised testing of live electoral systems or access to institutional infrastructure is strictly prohibited, and winning the competition does not constitute approval for operational deployment. Any future institutional pilot or deployment remains subject to relevant legal, institutional, technical and security approvals,” the statement added.

“Interested applicants can find eligibility requirements and application details at ai4elections.risenetworks.org.”

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