IOM Launches First Youth Hackathon to Drive Safe Migration Solutions in Africa

Geneva/Nairobi, 1 October 2025 -The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched the first-ever WakaWell Youth Hackathon, a Pan-African initiative bringing together young innovators co-design digital solutions to help youth make safe and informed migration decisions.

"Migration is the defining reality of our time, especially for young people," said Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations. "IOM supports the Wakawell hackathon because it creates space for young people to innovate, and we know that the digital tools they produce are vital for making migration policies smarter and more relevant to the solutions they need."

The two-day event convened 20 participants from Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda, selected from more than 200 applicants. Working alongside IOM mentors, they developed Artificial Intelligence-powered travel buddies to strengthen the WakaWell platform, an online hub that provides verified migration guidance for young Africans looking to study, work, or pursue sports across the continent.

Since its launch five years ago, WakaWell has become a trusted resource for youth preparing their migration journeys. In 2024, more than 62,000 people accessed the platform, which currently covers eight West and North African countries. Expansion to East Africa is planned this year, extending coverage to 11 countries.

"This hackathon proved the power of a Pan-African approach," said jury member Ciku Kimeria, Kenyan author and journalist. "Migration can be a win-win, connecting countries that need talent with young Africans seeking work and education opportunities."

The WakaWell Youth Hackathon highlights the power of innovation, collaboration and youth leadership in advancing digital solutions for safe mobility. By placing youth at the heart of decision-making, IOM is ensuring WakaWell remains a trusted, accessible and dynamic resource across Africa.

Note to Editors

The WakaWell platform is supported by the Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS) Programme, a partnership between IOM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

For more information, please visit IOM's Media Centre.