IOM hosts WakaWell Hackathon in Rabat

 UN migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) hosted the WakaWell Hackathon in Rabat on 24–25 November 2025, bringing together young innovators from Morocco and across Africa to design digital solutions that promote safe, inclusive and informed mobility ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. 

WakaWell.info is IOM’s digital platform providing verified, country-specific information to help youth make informed decisions, avoid misinformation and access safe, orderly and regular migration pathways. 

Building on the momentum of the first WakaWell Youth Hackathon held in Nairobi in September, 2025— where early prototypes of an AI chatbot and a sports-hub were developed— the Rabat edition challenged 20 young innovators, organized into four teams, to co-create a digital fan zone for the estimated 600,000 to 1 million visitors expected during AFCON 2025. Over the course of two days, participants worked on enhancing WakaWell’s AI-powered chatbot, accessible through WhatsApp, developing multilingual supporter guides; and designing creative campaigns promoting the fan zone. Each concept was grounded in realistic fan profiles expected at AFCON 2025 ensuring solutions remain accessible, useful and responsive to visitors, migrants and host communities. These innovations aim to provide accurate information, foster social cohesion, and ensure fans enjoy a safe and connected experience throughout the tournament.

The hackathon culminated in live pitches to a jury where teams showcased their prototypes and creative strategies.  Oussama Benjelloun, Moroccan TV host and content creator, and jury member, emphasized:

“AFCON is more than a sporting event—it’s a celebration of African unity and culture. By creating a digital Fan Zone, we’re giving supporters a safe and inclusive space to connect, share their passion, and experience Morocco at its best.”

The Hackathon aligns with IOM’s commitment to harnessing digital innovation, youth leadership and the power of sport to promote safe mobility and social cohesion as highlighted by IOM Morocco’s Chief of Mission during her opening remarks:

“This hackathon reflects IOM’s vision to link sports and migration and to leverage digital innovation for migrants, while mobilizing young people as key drivers of concrete, sustainable, and inclusive solutions,” said Laura Palatini, IOM Morocco Chief of Mission.

WakaWell is powered by the Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS) Programme, a strategic cooperation between IOM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to strengthen migration governance systems while protecting and upholding the rights of migrants.   The Rabat hackathon was funded through the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, in partnership with COMPASS.