Namibia opens media monitoring Hackathon for young innovators
By Eyo Nsima
The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), in partnership with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), has opened applications for a Media Monitoring and Analysis Tool Hackathon aimed at developing home-grown technology solutions for the media industry.
The initiative is part of the 9th National ICT Summit & Hackathon 2026 and targets young innovators, students, software developers and technology entrepreneurs across Namibia.
Under the challenge, participants are expected to develop a functional prototype capable of monitoring and analysing media coverage, identifying emerging issues and trends, and generating useful insights through interactive dashboards or automated reports.
The organisers said the challenge is designed to encourage young Namibians to apply technology and innovation to practical challenges while contributing to the development of the country’s digital ecosystem.
Participants will be expected to demonstrate how their solutions can collect, process and interpret media information to provide timely and actionable insights.
The hackathon is also expected to provide a platform for young technology talents to showcase their skills, develop practical solutions and potentially transform their prototypes into viable products or services.
The Youth and Hackathon Days are scheduled for October 15 and 16, 2026, at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre.
A total prize pool of N$60,000 has been earmarked for successful participants, providing an additional incentive for innovators to develop solutions with practical applications.
The competition is open to eligible Namibians between the ages of 18 and 35. Participants may apply individually or form teams of up to five members.
Applications close on September 21, 2026.
The initiative comes as governments and media organisations increasingly turn to digital technologies, including data analytics and artificial intelligence, to track large volumes of information, identify trends and improve decision-making.
For Namibia’s young technology community, the challenge provides an opportunity to develop locally relevant tools that could strengthen media intelligence, information management and digital innovation.
Interested participants have been advised to obtain further information and application details through the official hackathon callout and submit their applications before the September 21 deadline.
