The SandBox Africa - powered by ufuon
Africa's Hardware
Evolution Bang
We are building a generation of African innovators who can design, prototype, and launch solutions that solve real problems in energy, healthcare, agriculture, mobility, education, and public services.
Ufuon brings you Sandbox Africa 1.0, a recurring HACKATHON MARATHON that equips builders with tools, mentorship, funding opportunities, and a community that transforms ideas into real-world impact.
We believe the future of Nigeria is not just in software, but in hardware too.
Software + Hardware = Solution
Software does not run without hardware. For decades, Africa has consumed hardware technology designed elsewhere. The next chapter is different.
Africa's future depends on builders who can create hardware solutions for power, transportation, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and everyday challenges. Sandbox Africa exists to raise those builders and help them succeed.
Power
Transport
Health
Agriculture
Manufacturing
Everyday
The Format
Think Big Brother. For Tech builders.
Teams gather in person at a hub, and they have a deadline and a bench full of components. Hardware engineers wire and solder the board. Software engineers write the code that drives it. They design, build, and test together until the thing runs. Every hub is live at the same time, so the audience follows the build across the country as it happens. The pressure is real, because the build is real, and it either works on camera or it does not.
Partners & Sponsors
Sandbox Africa collaborates with technology companies, educational institutions, innovation hubs, and industry partners committed to advancing practical engineering and innovation across Africa.
Luckyjoe
Portdealer
Thexora
Autoline 
Lisk
Reality3dhub
fasticoretechnology
Solnxlab
AutolineLuckyjoePortdealerThexoraAutoline LiskReality3dhubfasticoretechnologySolnxlab AutolineLuckyjoePortdealerThexoraAutoline LiskReality3dhubfasticoretechnologySolnxlab AutolineJoin the pioneers of amazing people and companies supporting UFUON for Sandbox Africa 1.0
Got ideas, interest and skills?
SIGNUP for SandBox Africa 1.0.
move from IDEAS to REALITY, THEORY to PRACTICE, and from LEARNING to REAL IMPACT
Show Real Impact
01 Get hands-on with real electronics tools and kits.
Identify real problems and design solutions that matter to real people.
02 Turn your ideas into working prototypes.
Turn your ideas into real projects through guided support and hands-on learning.
03 Share your innovation with the world.
Take your solution into the real world and begin your journey as a founder.
We believe Nigeria’s future lies not only in software, but in hardware as well. True innovation happens when both work together to create solutions that are designed, built, and controlled by us.
Building Africa's Hardware Economy
Africa does not need more consumers of technology. Africa needs builders, manufacturers, innovators, and entrepreneurs capable of creating solutions for local challenges and global opportunities.
Sandbox Africa is helping make that future possible.
Build, Innovate, and Startup!
Register, collaborate with creative minds, build smart hardware solutions and turn bold ideas into real-world projects through hands-on innovation at Sandbox Africa 1.0 .
Become a Partner
Join Ufuon to equip Africa's next generation of innovators with the tools they need to build the future via Sandbox Africa 1.0
Empowering the Next Generation of Builders!
Donate and put real electronics kits into the hands of students ready to build. Your support empowers the next generation of African creators to build technology that changes lives—and puts Africa first, transforming promising ideas into real-world innovations that create measurable impact.
Share !
Your one click could reach a generous donor, a student ready to register, or another change maker who will keep the momentum going. Let’s make Sandbox Africa 1.0 viral for African innovation
01 Team Collaboration Hub
Work with teammates remotely, share ideas in real time, and build innovative hardware solutions together!
02 Prototype Development Experience
Transform concepts into working prototypes using electronics, IoT systems, and creative problem-solving throughout the hackathon journey.
03 Share your innovation with the world.
Present your project to mentors, judges, and fellow innovators through engaging online demonstrations and live presentations.
₦10 million+in prizes
Winners also receive mentorship, accelerator access, and the opportunity to pilot solutions with a federal government agency.
Grand Prize — First Place
Plus 2-month incubation and free showcase on Ufuon startup.
Second Place
Plus 6-month accelerator access and incubation in Ufuon startup.
Third Place
Plus 12-month accelerator access and seed mentorship programme.
Various Problem Areas, One Goal
Building solutions. Empowering innovators. Shaping Africa's future.
Fintech & Financial Inclusion
• Build innovative hardware solutions that expand access to banking, payments, and financial services for underserved communities.
Fintech & Financial Inclusion
COMMUNITY THOUGHTS
Here is what our community has to say about SandBox Africa and DEV.
"I have met incredible people, surrounded myself with a circle who has spirit like me. I started to think more like the SandBox Africa fellows, in and out of so many hackathons. I understand products better."
Peace Pathipati
University of port harcourt
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the hackathon
Yes, participation is completely free. We want to make hardware accessible to everyone.
Students, developers, engineers, and anyone passionate about building hardware solutions.
You can join solo or as a team. We’ll also help match participants into teams.
Projects will be evaluated based on innovation, impact, execution, and real-world usability.
Top teams will be selected based on performance and community voting.
FAQ for Partners / Sponsors
Learn more about partnering or sponsoring SandBox Africa Event
SandBox Africa is a 7-week virtual hackathon that brings together developers, hardware innovators, designers, and tech enthusiasts from across Africa to build solutions to real-world challenges. Participants will collaborate remotely, receive mentorship from industry experts, and transform ideas into impactful innovations while competing for prizes and recognition.
Interested in partnering? Contact our team →