Apply Now: Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026 Offers Up to US$1,500
Emerging African professionals working at the intersection of data, technology and public policy can now apply for a three-month virtual programme offering a stipend of up to US$1,500.
Organised by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), the fellowship is designed to strengthen the skills of professionals shaping Africa’s evolving data governance and digital policy landscape.
The 2026 programme will be delivered remotely, allowing selected fellows from across the continent to participate without relocating. Applications close on September 18, 2026.
What the Fellowship Offers
Successful participants will gain access to bi-weekly virtual masterclasses and expert sessions featuring professionals and sector leaders working across Africa’s digital ecosystem.
Fellows will also have opportunities to have their work featured on CSEA platforms while building connections through a growing Pan-African professional network.
A stipend of up to US$1,500 will be awarded upon successful completion of the fellowship and its required activities.
Key Areas of Focus
The fellowship will explore six major areas shaping Africa’s digital future:
- Digital rights
- Data sharing
- Data value chains
- Digital public infrastructure
- Regulatory interoperability
- Data sovereignty
Participants will also develop practical policy-oriented outputs as part of the programme.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to professionals who meet the fellowship’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be from and currently reside in an African country.
- Hold a postgraduate degree.
- Have at least one year of professional experience in social sciences, law, technology, data policy or a related field.
- Be professionally engaged in data governance, digital policy, artificial intelligence, technology or related areas.
- Be working in sectors such as government, private companies, startups, research institutions, universities, think tanks or civil society.
- Be able to commit at least two hours per week to the programme.
- Have access to a reliable internet connection and a functional computer.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates are expected to submit an online application in English, accompanied by a CV of no more than two pages, a statement of interest of up to 300 words, a 300-word problem statement and a relevant writing sample.
The writing sample may include a policy brief, research paper or other work related to data governance, artificial intelligence, digital policy or a closely related field.
Deadline and Application
The deadline for the Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026 is September 18, 2026.
With only a limited number of fellows expected to be selected, eligible professionals interested in influencing Africa’s digital and data policy future are encouraged to prepare and submit their applications before the deadline.
Apply through the official fellowship application channel via CSEA.
