Progress on the AUCTF Capacity Building Program
Feb 17, 2025
In our previous blog, we introduced Ushahidi’s role in the African Union Civic Tech Fund (AUCTF) and our commitment to empowering civic tech organizations through a structured capacity-building program. Since then, we have been hard at work implementing this program, equipping grantees with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to scale their impact.
The AUCTF Capacity Building Program is designed to be more than just a training initiative. It is a collaborative journey where grantees refine their projects, exchange ideas, and receive mentorship. This update shares our progress, highlighting key modules, masterclasses, peer-to-peer learning sessions, and grantee roadmap reviews held from July to December 2024.
Building a Strong Foundation: Grantee 1:1 Roadmap Reviews (July 2024)
Before diving into training and ensuring a tailored and effective capacity-building journey, Ushahidi conducted one-on-one roadmap reviews with each grantee before launching the training sessions. These individualized sessions provided an opportunity to:
- Gain insight into each grantee’s vision, goals, and challenges.
- Offer constructive feedback to refine their project roadmaps.
- Ensure alignment with AUCTF objectives and Agenda 2063.
By leading these reviews, Ushahidi laid the groundwork for a targeted and responsive capacity-building program, ensuring that grantees' needs and priorities were effectively integrated into the training curriculum.
Fostering Collaboration: Peer-to-Peer Learning (August 2024)
As part of our commitment to facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange, Ushahidi led the first peer-to-peer learning session, providing grantees a structured space to share, collaborate, and refine their projects. This session was designed to encourage cross-learning and collective problem-solving, strengthening the civic tech ecosystem.
Through Ushahidi’s facilitation, the interactive structure allowed each grantee to:
- Present their updated project roadmaps in a 5-minute pitch.
- Receive peer feedback and recommendations for improvement.
- Learn from diverse perspectives and build stronger networks.
Through these peer-led sessions, grantees received actionable insights, making their projects more effective while fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Deep Dive Learning: Key Modules and Masterclasses
With the groundwork set, we launched our in-depth training sessions, delivered in two formats:
Key Modules – The “Core” of the Program
Structured, multi-session training covering fundamental aspects of civic tech growth, governance, and sustainability.
1️⃣ Introduction to the AU, Agenda 2063, and Strategic Policy Development & Advocacy (September 2024)
- Understanding the African Union’s role in governance and policy.
- How grantees’ work fits into Agenda 2063.
- Developing policy recommendations and engaging with AU institutions.
Facilitator: Keagetswe Alex Kgotlaetsile
Keagetswe Alex Kgotlaetsile is an Education Lead at the African Union Commission, Women Gender, and Youth Directorate. He holds his master's in social policy and management from the University of Cape Town. His work spans across several sectors, notably in Higher Education, the Development space, and the NGO Sector. Keagetswe has over 3 years of experience in capacity building and facilitation contextual to youth and academic work. He is a UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholar Alumni, a scholarship he obtained based on his academic and leadership excellence. He is also a Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Alumni and a Golden Key member.
2️⃣ Sustainability and Funding (November 2024)
- Exploring funding models beyond grants.
- Building financial resilience in civic tech initiatives.
- Practical guidance on long-term sustainability strategies.
Co-Facilitator: Alfred Osiko, Senior Market Engagement Manager, ClimateTech
Alfred is the Senior Market Engagement Manager for the ClimateTech programme at GSMA, with extensive experience in environmental sustainability, climate action, and corporate responsibility. Previously, he worked at Safaricom PLC, leading initiatives on carbon emissions reduction (Net Zero project), waste, and e-waste management. He also played a key role at the United Nations Global Compact – Kenya Network, driving the strategic autonomisation of the local network and implementing green business initiatives. His career spans roles at Ryden International, the European Union, AWEMAC, and KALRO, focusing on climate change, ecosystem management, and data analytics. Alfred holds a degree in Environmental Science and is finalizing a Master’s in Procurement and Logistics with a specialization in Green Procurement. He is a certified Sustainability Expert and a trained ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 26000 Implementer, Auditor, and Lead Auditor.
Co-Facilitator: William Kihara, Senior Manager, GSMA Innovation Fund
William is a Senior Manager for the GSMA Innovation Fund, bringing extensive experience in development finance, private sector investment, and renewable energy. Previously, he worked at The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund, where he led the KKCF Program, a five-year initiative supporting economic development for refugees and host communities in Turkana, Kenya. He also served as a Senior Associate at KPMG’s International Development Advisory Services, managing the Renewable Energy and Climate Technologies (REACT) portfolio across Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. His career includes working at PwC Kenya as a regional grant accountant for Northeastern Kenya. William holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, is pursuing a Master’s in Economics and Finance at Kenyatta University, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K).
Masterclasses – “The Refining Touch”
Shorter, expert-led sessions focusing on specific skills to complement the key modules.
1️⃣ Effective Project Planning & Management (September 2024)
- Understanding project lifecycles and key planning methodologies.
- Tools and techniques for goal setting, tracking, and execution.
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies for civic tech projects.
- Ensuring impact measurement and continuous improvement.
Facilitator: Ajoke Adeola
Ajoke is a seasoned program manager with over 14 years of experience in the international social development sector, specializing in program design, fundraising, and community-driven solutions. She currently works at 54 Collective, supporting early-stage businesses in Africa and beyond, and previously served as a Senior Program Associate at ANDE, overseeing development programs in West Africa. She is the founder of REEL Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to quality education for underserved children in Nigeria. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and an Associate Member of CIPM Nigeria, Ajoke holds an MBA from Plymouth Marjon University and a distinction (HND) from Lagos State Science & Technology University. She is a 2017 YALI Mandela Washington Fellow and has engaged with various international learning communities, including the Carrington Fellowship, Learning 2030 Equinox Fellowship (Canada), and Young Reformers in Education (Nigeria).
2️⃣ Effective Communications & Pitching (October 2024, CTIF)
- Storytelling techniques for impactful civic tech narratives.
- Structuring a compelling pitch for funders and stakeholders.
- Public speaking and presentation best practices.
- Strategies for engaging with media and digital platforms to amplify reach.
Facilitator: Bulelwa Ndaba
Bulelwa Ndaba, a graduate of Wits University with majors in Applied Drama and Theatre, as well as Drama Therapy, is the founder of Yaap, a performance and communication consultancy. Through Yaap, Bulelwa empowers entrepreneurs and professionals to discover and amplify their God-given voices through public speaking coaching. Her mission is to inspire meaningful change and positive impact through powerful communication. Drawing on her background in performance, Bulelwa provides clients with practical tools to master effective communication, conquer negative self-talk, overcome imposter syndrome and nerves, and craft authentic stories.
3️⃣ Data Management Using the Ushahidi Platform – Analysis & Insight Generation (December 2024)
- Introduction to data collection, visualization, and analysis using Ushahidi.
- Best practices for ensuring data security and privacy.
- Leveraging data for evidence-based decision-making.
- Ethical considerations in data handling and civic tech.
Facilitators: Cecilia Hinga, Joseph Kirai and Diana Gacheru
CTIF: A Milestone for the AUCTF Grantees (October 2024)
The Civic Tech Innovation Forum (CTIF) in Johannesburg provided grantees with their first in-person engagement. Highlights included:
✨ Participation in multiple sessions, where grantees showcased their projects.
✨ A masterclass on Effective Communication & Pitching to refine storytelling and fundraising strategies.
✨ Networking with civic tech leaders, funders, and policymakers to explore future opportunities.
This event was a crucial touchpoint for fostering collaboration, visibility, and ecosystem-building.
AUCTF Grantees, project team and guest judges at the pitching session.
This is not the end though! The capacity-building program continues this year with more masterclasses, modules, and peer-learning sessions!