Accountability Lab East and Southern Africa (ALESA) has announced the launch of two thematic incubator programs for 2026 — the Digital Governance Incubator (DGI) and the Climate Justice Incubator (CJI). These initiatives aim to nurture and support a new generation of civic innovators and community leaders advancing accountability, transparency, and justice through technology and climate action.

Both incubators are designed to build on the success of Accountability Lab’s flagship Accountability Incubator, offering participants a year-long journey of mentorship, skills development, and hands-on project implementation.

Digital Governance Incubator – 2026 Cohort

The Digital Governance Incubator invites applications from young changemakers aged 18–35 residing in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Tanzania. The program focuses on equipping participants with tools to enhance citizen participation, open governance, and digital accountability.

Selected “Accountapreneurs” will receive mentorship and training to develop tech-driven solutions in:

• Government transparency and openness,

• Access to information and citizen participation,

• Public service efficiency and innovation,

• Digital inclusion and equity.

Women, people with disabilities, and individuals from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Climate Justice Incubator – 2026 Cohort

The Climate Justice Incubator is open to young civic leaders aged 18–30 from Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The program empowers “Climatepreneurs” to create justice-centered solutions that address environmental inequities and promote community resilience.

Participants will receive mentorship and training under five focus areas:

• Climate justice innovation and policy change,

• Community-led adaptation and resilience,

• Storytelling and advocacy for accountability,

• Governance and climate finance transparency,

• Intersectional approaches linking gender, economy, and justice.

Over 12 months, participants will implement climate projects, strengthen their leadership and advocacy skills, and connect with a continental network of sustainability innovators.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 28 November 2025 (11:59 PM EAT).