The way people meet, communicate, and build relationships is evolving rapidly. Technology has transformed how we connect—but there is still enormous opportunity to create platforms that are safer, more inclusive, more authentic, and better suited to the needs of African communities.

This hackathon invites developers, designers, product builders, and innovators to rethink the future of dating and social networking. Participants will collaborate to build digital experiences that foster meaningful human connections while addressing challenges such as trust, privacy, safety, accessibility, and community engagement.

Whether it's creating intelligent matchmaking experiences, AI-powered conversation assistants, interest-based communities, event discovery platforms, voice-first social applications, or new ways for people to connect using SMS, Voice, USSD, or mobile apps, this is your opportunity to design solutions that make relationships and communities stronger.

The Challenge

How can technology help people build genuine relationships?

How do we create social platforms that prioritize safety, privacy, and trust?

How can AI make online interactions more meaningful without replacing authentic human connection?

How can we design inclusive social experiences that work for everyone—including users on basic mobile devices?

Throughout the day, teams will prototype and build innovative solutions that redefine dating and social networking for the African context.

Possible Challenge Areas

Smart matchmaking and recommendation systems

AI-powered conversation starters and chat assistants

Online safety, moderation, and identity verification

Event discovery and community networking

Local-language social experiences

SMS, Voice, and USSD-powered social platforms

Professional, friendship, and interest-based networking

Who Should Attend?

This event is open to software developers, designers, AI enthusiasts, product managers, startup founders, students, and anyone passionate about building technologies that bring people together.

Whether you're an experienced developer or just beginning your journey, you'll have the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and build alongside a vibrant community of innovators.

Come connect with other builders, form a team, and help shape the future of dating and social networking through technology.

The winning solution will receive cash prizes as follows:

• Winner - $100

• 1st Runners Up - $50

• 2nd Runners Up - $25

Social Media giveaways too!

More exclusive prizes and giveaways to attendees.

Date: Saturday, 18th July 2026

Time: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Venue: Africa's Talking Offices, The Acacia Place, 4th Floor, John Babiha (Acacia) Ave, Kampala

Agenda:

9:00 AM – Arrival, Registration & Team Formation

10:00 AM – Opening Remarks + Hackathon Brief

10:30 AM – Session: “Reimagining Dating & Social Networks Through Technology"

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Hacking Session

4:00 PM – Project Demos & Presentations

5:30 PM – Judging & Awards

6:00 PM – Networking, Snacks, and Drinks

Join Our Community Channels:

Twitter:

@AfricasTalking

@ATCommunityKla

YouTube:

Watch event recaps, demos, and developer conversations on the Africa’s Talking YouTube Channel

Africa’s Talking Community hackathons are where developers come to experiment, collaborate, and build the future.

This time, we’re exploring a big question: