The Agile Legal-Tech Network has announced its 2025 essay contest for students, researchers, and professionals. The theme centres on technology, ethics, and data in Africa, with a cash prize of N200,000 for the best entry. Submissions close on 31st October 2025.
The TAL Community Essay Competition 2025 is now open, and the call is wide. From undergraduates finding their footing, to seasoned researchers, to professionals knee-deep in policy or tech, the platform is welcoming entries that deal with artificial intelligence, data governance, and ethics, all through an African lens.
It is not just about writing for the sake of it. The contest aims to spark discussions that could ripple into policy decisions and fresh ideas across the continent.
Who Can Apply
The organisers have kept the entry door open to different groups. Eligible participants include:
- Students in tertiary schools
- Academic researchers in any field
- Professionals working around technology, law, or policy
If you fit one of these, the stage is yours.
Why Join the Competition
The benefits are clear and tempting. Winners and top participants will gain:
- A cash prize of ₦200,000 for the best essay
- Free access to The Tech Court for the top five entries, giving a rare chance to join high-level discussions and make contacts
- Recognition across the TAL-Tech community, raising profiles and giving credibility
- A platform to shape conversations around artificial intelligence, ethical practice, and data use in Africa
These rewards go beyond money, they open doors and help voices carry further.
How to Submit Your Essay
Applicants are required to:
- Write an original essay, no copy and paste, with strong ideas and clear research.
- Fill the official application form.
- Upload and submit before the closing date.
Essays should not just state problems but think through solutions in a way that feels real and rooted in Africa’s context.
Deadline for Entries
The last day to apply is 31st October 2025. Late entries will be ignored, so it is better to send early than scramble at the last minute.