By: Nana Appiah
Acquaye
Orange RDC has officially
launched Makeathon 2026, a 10-day innovation programme aimed at empowering
young innovators and makers in Kinshasa to develop solutions for sustainable
urban development and modernized craftsmanship.
The initiative, led through
the Orange Digital Center, brings together participants including makers and
young cartographers who will work collaboratively on projects focused on
“craftsmanship 2.0” and more sustainable city solutions.
According to organizers, the
programme is designed to harness the creativity of Congolese youth and channel
it toward practical innovations that address urban challenges while promoting
technological and entrepreneurial skills development.
Makeathon 2026 is being
implemented in partnership with several academic and innovation institutions,
including CDUK, the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), the Agence
Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), ULC-ICAM, and the FabLab Polytech of the
University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN).
The collaboration aims to
strengthen innovation ecosystems by connecting young talent with academic
expertise, technical resources, and mentorship opportunities.
Orange RDC said the
initiative reflects its commitment to supporting digital inclusion and
fostering a new generation of innovators capable of contributing to sustainable
development and economic transformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Participants will work
intensively over the 10-day programme to design and prototype solutions, with a
focus on creativity, sustainability, and real-world applicability in urban
environments.
The company highlighted the
growing importance of youth-led innovation in addressing Africa’s development
challenges and emphasized the role of partnerships in scaling impactful ideas.
Makeathon 2026 is expected
to serve as a platform for discovering high-potential projects and
strengthening collaboration between the private sector, academia, and
innovation hubs in the country.
