Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026 ($1,500 Stipend)

Applications are now open for the Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026, a three-month remote fellowship designed to equip emerging African leaders with the knowledge and practical skills needed to shape the future of data governance, digital policy, and responsible data use across the continent. Organized by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), the fellowship brings together a cohort of promising professionals, researchers, policymakers, technologists, and advocates who are passionate about using data to drive sustainable development and evidence-based policymaking across Africa.

As African countries continue to expand their digital economies and adopt emerging technologies, issues surrounding data governance, privacy, digital rights, artificial intelligence, and cross-border data flows have become increasingly important. The Africa’s Data Future Fellowship seeks to build a new generation of experts capable of contributing to these conversations through research, policy engagement, and practical solutions tailored to African contexts.

Participants will benefit from expert-led training sessions, mentorship from experienced professionals, collaborative learning opportunities, and the chance to produce policy-focused research that contributes to ongoing discussions about Africa's digital future. The fellowship is fully conducted online, making it accessible to participants from across the continent without requiring international travel.

About the Fellowship

The Africa’s Data Future Fellowship was established to strengthen Africa's capacity in data governance by supporting emerging professionals interested in the intersection of technology, public policy, and development. The programme recognizes that effective data governance is essential for promoting innovation, protecting citizens' rights, enabling digital trade, and supporting evidence-informed decision-making.

Throughout the three-month fellowship, participants engage in structured learning activities covering key aspects of data governance and digital policy. Fellows collaborate with experts and peers from different African countries, allowing them to exchange experiences, examine regional policy challenges, and develop practical recommendations relevant to their local contexts.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• A USD 1,500 stipend upon successful completion of the fellowship.
• Participation in a fully remote three-month fellowship programme.
• Expert-led training on data governance and digital policy.
• One-on-one mentorship from experienced practitioners and researchers.
• Opportunities to collaborate with fellows from across Africa.
• Guidance in developing a policy brief or research publication.
• Professional networking opportunities with policymakers, researchers, and digital governance experts.
• Membership in a growing Pan-African community of data governance professionals.
• Enhanced knowledge and practical skills in evidence-based policymaking and digital governance.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be citizens of an African country.
• Demonstrate an interest in data governance, digital policy, technology, research, or related fields.
• Be early-career professionals, researchers, policy practitioners, civil society actors, or technology professionals.
• Be available to participate fully in the three-month virtual fellowship.
• Possess strong analytical, research, and communication skills.
• Demonstrate commitment to advancing responsible and inclusive data governance in Africa.

The fellowship welcomes applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including public policy, economics, law, computer science, statistics, political science, development studies, journalism, information technology, and related disciplines.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

• A completed online application form.
• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Personal and professional background information.
• Responses to application questions explaining their interest in the fellowship.
• Any additional documents requested through the application portal.

Applicants should ensure that all submitted information accurately reflects their experience, interests, and motivation for participating in the programme.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Demonstrated interest in data governance and digital policy.
• Quality of written responses.
• Professional or academic achievements.
• Leadership potential.
• Analytical and communication skills.
• Commitment to contributing to Africa's digital future.
• Potential to apply fellowship knowledge within their communities or institutions.

The organizers also seek to build a diverse cohort representing different regions, sectors, and professional backgrounds across Africa.

How to Apply

To apply for the Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026:

1. Visit the official fellowship application portal.
2. Carefully review the eligibility requirements and programme details.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Upload your CV and any required supporting documents.
5. Provide thoughtful responses to all application questions.
6. Review your application carefully before submission.
7. Submit your application no later than September 18, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time to prepare strong application responses and avoid last-minute technical challenges.