When Joshua Malong walked into Strathmore University’s innovation hub in Nairobi on 13 November, he wasn’t just joining a hackathon; he was stepping into a community committed to designing a more inclusive digital future for Africa.
Joshua, a Software Engineering graduate from African Leadership University, is already known for using technology to tackle social and environmental challenges. As CFO and Co-founder of the South Sudan Youth Leadership Scholars Network (SSYNET) and Co-founder of Konnect Africa, he works at the intersection of innovation and impact, empowering youth and advancing sustainability across the continent.
The AI for Inclusion Mini-Hackathon, sponsored by Africa Career Networks (ACN) and African Leadership Academy (ALA), offered something different: a space to collaborate with diverse innovators and explore how artificial intelligence can promote access, equity, and opportunity for marginalized communities.
A Hub of Creativity, Collaboration, and Purpose
From the moment Joshua entered the innovation hub, the atmosphere was electric. Whiteboards were covered with sketches, teams huddled over laptops, and ideas flowed from every corner of the room. The two-day event brought together students, early-career professionals, and expert mentors from across Africa, all aligned around a shared mission to build AI solutions that uplift, not exclude.
Teams blended coders, designers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and storytellers, and what stood out most to Joshua was the culture of generosity. Peers jumped in to debug code, mentors offered frameworks for ethical and inclusive design, and participants exchanged resources and refined one another’s pitches. The environment reflected ACN’s core belief that collaboration accelerates impact and that young African innovators accomplish more when they create together rather than compete.
Turning Ideas into Solutions for Real-World Inclusion
Prototyping challenged teams to balance creativity with discipline. In just a few hours, ideas had to transform into early-stage solutions addressing challenges such as digital accessibility, AI bias and fairness, inclusive education tools, and community empowerment through technology. Mini-workshops introduced emerging frameworks in responsible AI and gave participants hands-on experience with tools that support inclusive innovation.
For Joshua, the experience was a powerful reminder that technology can only bridge societal gaps when it is created intentionally and in partnership with the communities it aims to serve.
A Milestone in Joshua’s Journey as a Technologist
By the end of the hackathon, Joshua walked away with far more than a prototype. He gained stronger confidence in rapid problem-solving, new technical and leadership skills, a deeper appreciation for inclusive design, and a network of passionate African innovators.
Reflecting on the experience, he shared: “The Hackathon reminded me of what we can achieve when young people come together with one mission: to design technology that is accessible, inclusive, and impactful. I leave Nairobi inspired, motivated, and more committed than ever to creating positive change.”
Demonstrating ACN’s Commitment to Youth Innovation in Africa
For ACN and ALA, the Mini-Hackathon demonstrated what becomes possible when young African leaders are equipped with tools, mentorship, and a platform to innovate. Events like this build the next generation of inclusive technology leaders, strengthen cross-border collaboration, advance ACN’s mission to expand career pathways and professional development, and align with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program values of access, equity, and transformational leadership.
For Joshua, the hackathon was not simply an event; it was a turning point that reaffirmed his purpose as a technologist committed to inclusion and sustainability.
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