Code For Africa

Code for Africa (CfA) uses technology and #OpenData to build digital democracies that empower citizens. We give citizens actionable information for better-informed decision making and digital tools to amplify their voices, so that they can hold the authorities (both governmental and corporate) to account. We do this in a number of ways: firstly, by liberating the data currently locked up in governments and corporations, and using this information to build open data / open government digital "backbone" infrastructure. Secondly, we embed technologists into civic watchdogs, the mass media, public entities, and grassroots citizen organisations to help create the tools, skills, and data necessary to engage meaningfully with the power elite. And, thirdly, we build civic engagement apps and digital services that amplify citizen voices, that encourage active citizenry and that promote evidence-based public discourse. We have full-time in-country staff and innovation labs in Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. CfA has active projects in an additional 10 African countries. CfA is funded by a coalition of media organisations, citizen watchdog bodies, and donors interested in public accountability.