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

Deadline: September 18, 2026

Applications are open for the Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026. The 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship, organised by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), is a 3-month remote capacity-building programme for emerging leaders in the African data governance landscape.

The 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship will focus on the following thematic areas

Digital Rights

Data Sharing

Data Value Chain

Digital Public Infrastructure

Regulatory Interoperability

Data Sovereignty

Benefits

A stipend of US$1,500 maximum upon successful completion of the fellowship

Bi-weekly virtual masterclasses and expert sessions with sector leaders

Fellows’ work featured on CSEA’s platforms

Pan-African professional network

Eligibility

Hold a postgraduate degree and have at least one year of professional experience in social sciences, law, technology, data policy, or related fields. Be from, and resident in any African country. Be currently working or professionally engaged in data governance, digital policy, Artificial Intelligence, technology, or related areas within any of the following sectors: government institutions; private sector organisations; AI start-ups, including fintech, edtech, healthtech, agritech, and related ventures; research, policy think tanks, universities; and civil society organisations. Demonstrate an interest in and/or experience in the public sector, data governance, digital policy, and/or technology as an added advantage. Be willing and able to commit at least 2 hours per week for the duration of the fellowship. Have access to a reliable internet connection and a functional computer for the duration of the fellowship.

Application

The fellowship is granted through a competitive selection process based on applications submitted by eligible candidates. All applications must be submitted through the online application system and in English.

Applicants are required to submit

A completed application form

A CV (maximum 2 pages)

A statement of interest explaining why you are interested in your chosen fellowship thematic areas (maximum 300 words) A problem statement outlining a data governance and digitalisation challenge in your sub-region related to any of the thematic areas highlighted above (maximum 300 words) A writing sample, such as a policy brief or research paper, on data governance, Artificial Intelligence, digital policy, or a related topic

Click here to apply

For more information, visit Africa’s Data Future Fellowship.