#Africa vs Virus
Challenge

April 17 - 19, 2020

The 72-hour Ideathon prototyped tech and non-tech solutions addressing the challenges presented by the global coronavirus pandemic to African societies, economies and individuals.

Main partners

What is the #AfricaVsVirus Challenge?

The Jobs for Youth in Africa Initiative of the African Development Bank is organizing the #AfricaVsVirus Challenge to create tech and non-tech solutions to some of the most pressing challenges posed by the novel coronavirus pandemic. We are calling on socially committed citizens worldwide, problem solvers, creative minds, health experts, programmers, graphic and web designers to come together in a 72-hour collaborative digital process.

Following the #AfricaVsVirus Challenge, the best solutions will be selected and will be fully implemented with partners and donors in Africa and worldwide.

Why participate?

The novel coronavirus outbreak has brought severe human suffering and major economic disruption around the world. Within three months over 1,9 million people have been infected worldwide, with the virus currently affecting 198 countries and having taken the lives of over 120,000 people.

In an attempt to slow down infections, governments worldwide have imposed isolation and social distancing measures that make it impossible to continue with face-to-face collaborative processes. #AfricaVsVirus is creating an online platform in order to promote the fast and innovative co-creation of solutions to help African countries address some of their most pressing issues.

How does the Challenge work?

The #AfricaVsVirus Challenge will take place from April 17-19, 2020 online. Participants will have 72hs to collaborate in teams and build solutions to specific challenges. We will start with a kick-off session on April 16 at 18:30 GMT+1 and end on April 19 at 18:30 GMT+1.

Join the challenge
April 9 - 16
Join the communication
on Slack
April 9 - 15
Register your
idea
April 16
Kick-off
April 17
The Ideathon
Starts
April 19
The Ideathon
Ends
Wed 15
24:00 GMT+1
Deadline for submission of challenges and ideas.
Thu 16
11:00 GMT+1
An overview of all submitted challenges and ideas is posted online.
16:00 GMT+1
Participants can join dedicated project channels on Slack.
18:30 GMT+1
Welcome remarks.
Fri 17
11:00 GMT+1
Livestream with latest updates on the Ideathon.
Sat 18
11:00 GMT+1
Livestream with latest updates on the Ideathon.
Sun 19
11:00 GMT+1
Livestream with latest updates on the Ideathon.
18:30 GMT+1
Deadline for submission of the final pitch video. This will be published on the Ideathon’s YouTube channel during the evening.
18:30 GMT+1
Closing remarks.

Who can participate?

Global Citizens:

The #AfricaVsVirus Challenge is calling on socially committed citizens worldwide, problem solvers, creative minds, health experts, programmers, graphic and web designers to come together in this collaborative process.

Challenge owners:

The coronavirus is causing disruptions in almost every aspect of our every day lives. Thus, challenges can come from a wide range of sectors: The #AfricaVsVirus Challenge is seeking specific problems, challenges and demands from organizations and individuals affected by the crisis. These could come from hospital managers, social workers, restaurant owners, government agencies, etc. We also look forward to receiving ideas on how to address specific challenges.

Mentors:

Experts in certain areas are called to support teams with either content or technical expertise while developing solutions to the proposed challenges. Mentors will guide teams, answering questions and providing ideas.

Moderators:

Experts in the areas covered by the Ideathon with extensive expertise leading teams and coordinating groups can take part in the Ideathon as Moderators. Moderators will be responsible for keeping teams moving smoothly towards their goal.

Organizations:

Companies and organizations can either support the Ideathon through in-kind tech contributions to help develop ideas or to help facilitate the implementation of the Ideathon.

Ideathon Organizers:

The #AfricaVsVirus Challenge welcomes the support of those who want to contribute with the implementation of the Ideathon. Experienced project managers, communication specialists, and tech-savvy minds are all invited to participate.

Thematic focus

The #AfricaVsVirus Challenge will be framed within the broad context of the African Development Bank’s fifth development priority for the continent: Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.

The list below includes the 9 main themes we propose for the challenge, including subcategories to help spark your ideas! Feel free to propose challenges and ideas beyond our suggestions.

Implementing partners

Official partners

Questions and answers

When and where does the Challenge take place?

The #AfricaVsVirus Challenge will take place online from 17 to 19 April 2020. Participants will have 72 hours to collaborate in teams and build solutions to specific challenges. We will start with a kick-off session on Thursday, 16 at 18:30 GMT+1 and end on Sunday, 19 at 18:30 GMT+1.

How does it work?

Our Ideathon will take place exclusively online. Our team will provide the necessary tools for working together virtually. Slack will be used as a communication platform for teams, as well as videoconferencing for live updates and webinars, Q&A sessions and check-ins.

How many people can participate?

There is no limit to the number of participants. Anyone can register, submit challenges, mentor, or join teams.

Are there any prerequisites for participation?

There are no prerequisites for participation and programming knowledge is not needed. We are calling on programmers, designers, social change-makers and problem solvers to come together in this online collaborative process

Do I need a team?

No, you do not need a team and participants should apply individually. Multidisciplinary teams will be formed once challenges are curated and the Ideathon kicks off.

Can I register as a team?

No, you cannot register as a team. If you are already working with a team on a particular project, you can submit your idea and the team can join the same challenge.

Will we get any support during the Challenge?

Mentors will provide close guidance to teams throughout the duration of the Challenge. Mentors are experts in certain areas who will be supporting teams with either content or technical expertise while developing solutions to the proposed challenges.

How many ideas can I submit?

Only one idea can be submitted per person. If there are participants interested in working on a challenge, such challenge will have its own Slack Channel. As a Challenge Owner, participants will be giving inputs to the team and actively participating in the creation of a solution. Challenge Owners are expected to be fully available for questions.

My organization wants to contribute, what can we do?

If you are part of an organization or company that wants to support ideas during or after the Challenge, please Join the Challenge and register as an organization. Organizations do not participate in the development of solutions but can provide in-kind contributions. Members of organizations can register and participate as Global Citizens, Mentors, or Moderators.

What are the expected results of the Challenge?

During the 72h Ideathon, teams will develop innovative solutions to problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic. These solutions might be deployed in the short-term, seeking to solve pressing issues that need immediate attention, or, alternatively, they might be medium- to long-term solutions to build resilience, requiring longer set-up processes.