Call for Speakers

finished 16 days ago

CivicTech & Open Governance Dialogues

planned future dates

to be defined

location

Online


CivicTech & Open Governance Dialogues is a weekly webinar series where people passionate about open governance come together to share ideas, experiences, and solutions. This series convenes technologists, policymakers, researchers, and citizens to explore how civic technology and open governance can transform societies.

Each session tackles real challenges and practical solutions — from using open data and protecting digital rights to advancing climate governance and empowering youth and women. We aim to create a space for connection, learning, and collaboration that sparks meaningful action.

We are inviting speakers from across the globe to submit talk or panel proposals for CivicTech & Open Governance Dialogues, our weekly webinar series.

This series is part of the larger Open Governance Africa initiative and helps build momentum toward the annual Open Governance Africa Summit (OGAS).

open, 11 months left
Call for Speakers
Call opens at 12:00 AM

13 Sep 2025

Call closes at 11:59 PM

31 Aug 2026

Call closes in W. Central Africa Standard Time (UTC+01:00) timezone.
Closing time in your timezone () is .

Suggested Topics

You may submit talks or panel discussions in any of the following focus areas or a related topic that fits the mission of CivicTech & Open Governance Dialogues:

  • Open Data for Social Impact
  • Transparency, Trust, and Citizen Participation
  • Civic-Tech Solutions and Case Studies
  • Digital Rights, Data Privacy, and Internet Freedom
  • Youth and Women Leadership in Governance
  • Climate Governance and Community Action
  • Open Source Innovation for Public Good
  • Blockchain, AI, and Emerging Tech for Accountability
  • Combating Misinformation and Strengthening Media
  • Regional Collaboration and Policy Reform


Key Requirements

Speaker Eligibility: Open to speakers worldwide in government, academia, open source, civil society, or private sector.

Regional Representation: Each webinar must feature speakers representing at least one 1 African countries.

Talk Duration: 25-30 minutes per talk, followed by a joint Q&A.

Panel Duration: 30–35 minutes per panel, followed by live Q&A.

Language: English is the primary language. French speakers are welcome if translation support can be arranged.

Format: Virtual webinar live-streamed via LinkedIn & YouTube.


Panel Session Submissions

We encourage panel session proposals that bring together multiple voices and countries on a single theme.

Preferred panel format:

  • 3–4 speakers plus a moderator
  • At least two African countries represented among panelists
  • Dynamic discussion format with audience interaction

If you are submitting as an individual speaker but are open to being paired with others for a panel, please indicate this in your proposal. Our team will work to match you with other complementary speakers.

Submission Guidelines

Please provide:

  • Session Title – clear, engaging, and descriptive
  • Abstract of 100–150 words: what participants will learn or take away
  • Speaker Bio - 100 words: including country of representation and affiliation
  • Speaker Photo Headshot – for use in promotional materials
  • Preferred Dates – indicate availability in the next 3–6 weeks
  • Panel Details if applicable & list of other panelists if submitting as a group; or indicate willingness to be matched with others

Important Dates

CFP Opens: Every week on a rolling basis

Speaker Notifications: Allow at least 1-2 weeks after submission

Webinar Date: Usually held the following week after notification


Why Speak at CivicTech & Open Governance Dialogue

  • Showcase your expertise to a pan-African and global audience
  • Connect with policymakers, developers, researchers, and citizens
  • Contribute to shaping the future of civic technology and open governance
  • Receive a speaker feature across our newsletter, social media, and partner networks

Submit Your Proposal

Submit via Sessionize Link.

For inquiries, contact us at events@opengovafrica.org

Our Commitment to Diversity

At OpenGov Africa, we prioritize gender balance, accessibility, youth voices, and representation from multiple African regions in every session.

Speakers from underrepresented countries or communities are strongly encouraged to apply.


Login with your preferred account


If you haven't logged in before, you'll be able to register.

Using social networks to login is faster and simpler, but if you prefer username/password account - use Classic Login.