Accountability Lab East and Southern Africa (ALESA) today launches two thematic incubators, the Digital Governance Incubator (DGI) and the Climate Justice Incubator (CJI) ,  to train, mentor, and support a new generation of young civic leaders advancing accountability through technology and climate action. The programs are both built on the legacy of Accountability Lab’s flagship Accountability Incubator, and will begin in January 2026.

About the Digital Governance Incubator – 2026 Cohort

Accountability Lab East and Southern Africa (ALESA) invites young changemakers from Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe to apply for the Digital Governance Incubator, launching in January 2026.

Built on the legacy of Accountability Lab’s flagship programme, the Accountability Incubator, the Digital Governance Incubator is tailor-made for citizen or residents of Zimbabwe, Malawi and Tanzania who are between 18 and 35 years.

The Digital Governance Incubator will support young changemakers who are reimagining what civic leadership in the digital age using digital tools to foster good governance, citizen participation, and accountability.

We understand that digital governance is not just about coding new platforms but also about connecting people, power, and purpose. That’s why the Digital Governance Incubator goes beyond theory to help you design and drive the change your community
needs.

Over twelve action-packed months, you’ll join a network of accountability entrepreneurs “Accountapreneurs” working together to build accountability in a rapidly evolving technological world.

Applicants with digital governance and civic tech ideas that fall under the following pillars are encouraged to apply for the Digital Governance Incubator:

● Openness and Transparency in Government – Innovative technology ideas that increase government transparency and openness.
● Access to Information and Participation – Innovative technology-based initiatives that enhance citizens’ access to crucial government information and enable citizens to participate more effectively in governance processes.
● Effectiveness and Efficiency of Government Services -Innovative solutions that improve the performance of the central or local government and their agencies in the execution of their mandate.
● Digital Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility – Novel initiatives that crowd-in marginalized communities, promote equity and accessibility, and address the digital divide.

Women, people with disabilities, and other minority groups are encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EAT, 28 November 2025

Apply HERE

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EAT, 28 November 2025

About Climate Justice Incubator – 2026 Cohort

The Climate Justice Incubator targets young innovative civic leaders aged 18 to 30 from Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

At ALESA, we understand that the climate crisis is about fairness, voice, and power. That is why the Climate Justice Incubator goes beyond theory to help you design and drive the change your community needs.

Over twelve months, you will join a network of “Climatepreneurs”, innovators, storytellers, and problem-solvers, working together to build a just and sustainable future for all.

Applicants with climate justice ideas that fall under the following five thematic pillars are encouraged to apply for the Climate Justice Incubator:

● Climate Justice Innovation – Tech, social, or policy breakthroughs that close the gap on climate inequities.
● Community-Led Resilience and Adaptation – Local power, indigenous wisdom, and participatory solutions for climate resilience.
● Storytelling and Advocacy – Using creativity, art, and voice to drive accountability and systemic change.
● Transformative Systems and Policy Change – Tackling governance gaps, climate finance transparency, and institutional accountability.
● Intersectional Climate Action – Connecting climate with gender, culture, economy, and justice.

As a Climatepreneur, you will receive mentorship, training, and hands-on support to grow your ideas into tangible impact. By the time you graduate, you will have:

• Designed and implemented a justice-centered climate project in your community.

• Strengthened your leadership, advocacy, and innovation skills.

• Reached thousands through storytelling and citizen engagement.

• Built lasting partnerships and joined a lifelong network of accountability champions.

Women, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply HERE

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EAT, 28 November 2025