The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has launched the first-ever WakaWell Youth Hackathon, a pan-African program in which young innovators collaborate to co-design digital solutions to assist youth in making safe and informed migration decisions.
The two-day event held in Kenya brought together 20 participants from Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda, chosen from over 200 applicants.
Working with IOM mentors, they created AI-powered travel buddies to boost the WakaWell platform, an online platform that gives verified migration advice for young Africans wishing to study, work, or pursue sports across the continent.
Since its inception five years ago, IOM boasts that WakaWell has become a valued resource for young people planning for migration journeys.
It went on to state that in 2024, over 62,000 people used the platform, which currently serves eight West and North African countries. This year, the organisation plans to expand into East Africa, covering 11 countries.
“Migration is the defining reality of our time, especially for young people,” said Ugochi Daniels, IOM deputy director general for operations.
“IOM supports the WakaWell hackathon because it creates space for young people to innovate, and we know that the digital tools they produce are vital for making migration policies smarter and more relevant to the solutions they need.”
“This hackathon proved the power of a pan-African approach,” said jury member Ciku Kimeria, Kenyan author and journalist. “Migration can be a win-win, connecting countries that need talent with young Africans seeking work and education opportunities.”
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