UNDP and Angola Organise AI Hackathon for Sustainable Tourism
Young innovators develop digital solutions for cultural heritage and tourism
August 06th, 2026On 27 July 2026, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Angola, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, concluded an Artificial Intelligence Hackathon dedicated to sustainable tourism. Held in Luanda, the four-day event brought together young innovators to develop digital solutions for challenges facing Angola's tourism sector.
The hackathon promoted cooperation between public institutions, international organisations and the private sector, specifically involving the UNDP International Centre for Private Sector Development (ICPSD) and the coding school 42 Luanda. By combining technical training with collaborative problem-solving, the event encouraged knowledge exchange and demonstrated how digital innovation can contribute to sustainable development and tourism.
During the intensive sessions, interdisciplinary teams collaborated under the guidance of national and international mentors to develop functional technological prototypes. Participants applied machine learning, data science, and geospatial technologies to create solutions intended to enhance visitor experiences and promote under-explored destinations. The projects specifically focused on the promotion of community-based tourism and the sustainable management of cultural heritage.
At the conclusion of the event, three winning teams were awarded financial support to further develop and test their prototypes in real-world scenarios. This funding is intended to transform initial concepts into scalable initiatives that can strengthen the national tourism sector and support local communities. UNDP officials emphasised that the hackathon’s objective extends beyond the competition itself, aiming for the long-term refinement of solutions that meet the country’s infrastructure and development needs. These efforts are expected to contribute to the diversification of the Angolan economy by fostering a resilient market driven by digital literacy.
The hackathon explored how emerging technologies can promote tourism, strengthen community-based initiatives and support the preservation of the country's natural and cultural heritage.
