Sóobu, Tech4Elections

Sóobu, Tech4Elections — from the Wolof word sóobu, meaning ‘commitment’ or ‘mobilisation’ — is an interactive mapping platform designed to identify, centralise and make accessible citizen-led initiatives related to elections in Africa since 2010.

CONTEXT

In the face of the erosion of the rule of law and recurring tensions across the continent, civil society has been actively engaged for decades in strengthening the transparency and integrity of electoral processes. These initiatives remained scattered and largely overlooked. Sóobu addresses this need for centralisation and greater visibility by providing a continental platform for those committed to electoral democracy.

APPROACH

Sóobu is based on an integrated approach aimed at structuring, strengthening and connecting citizen initiatives involved in electoral processes across Africa. It is founded on the principle that improving electoral integrity depends both on the actions of institutions and on a well-equipped, collaborative and visible civil society. With this in mind, the approach is structured around two complementary levers:

On the one hand, capitalisation and visibility: the platform has been recording, documenting and mapping citizen-led electoral initiatives since 2010, with a view to highlighting existing experiences and making often scattered resources accessible.

Furthermore, connecting stakeholders: by facilitating dialogue and the sharing of best practices, Sóobu fosters collaboration between civil society organisations, the media, technology companies and engaged citizens, both nationally and across Africa.