2026 Africa's Data Future Fellowship
It is a part-time commitment with a completion stipend, designed for professionals who want to deepen their expertise and contribute to Africa's data future while balancing existing work responsibilities.
2026 Africa's Data Future Fellowship
Provider
Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA)
Location
Remote (open to applicants from and residing in any African country)
Deadline
18 September 2026
Type
Fellowship (3-month capacity-building programme starting October 2026)
Description
The Africa's Data Future Fellowship is a virtual capacity-building initiative for emerging leaders shaping data governance across the continent. The programme runs for three months and requires a commitment of at least two hours per week. Fellows participate in bi-weekly virtual masterclasses and brainstorming sessions with sector leaders.
During the fellowship, each participant is expected to engage with a relevant institution in their home country to share findings from their fellowship output. The programme covers six thematic areas: Digital Rights, Data Sharing, Data Value Chain, Digital Public Infrastructure, Regulatory Interoperability, and Data Sovereignty. Sessions are conducted in English and French.
Benefits
1. A stipend of up to US$1,500 upon successful completion of the fellowship.
2. Bi-weekly virtual masterclasses and expert sessions with leaders in the field.
3. Publication of fellowship work on CSEA's platforms.
4. Access to a pan-African professional network of data and digital policy practitioners.
Requirements
1. Hold a postgraduate degree and have at least one year of professional experience in social sciences, law, technology, data policy, or a related field.
2. Be from and currently reside in any African country.
3. Be currently working or professionally engaged in data governance, digital policy, artificial intelligence, technology, or related areas within government, private sector, AI start-ups (fintech, edtech, healthtech, agritech, or similar), research institutes, think tanks, universities, or civil society organisations.
4. Demonstrate interest in or experience with the public sector, data governance, digital policy, or technology (considered an added advantage).
5. Commit at least two hours per week for the duration of the fellowship.
6. Have reliable internet access and a functional computer for the fellowship period.
7. Submit all application materials in English through the online application system.
How To Apply
Submit your application through the online application system provided by CSEA. You will need to include a completed application form, a CV of no more than two pages, a statement of interest explaining your chosen thematic area (maximum 300 words), a problem statement on a data governance or digitalisation challenge in your sub-region (maximum 300 words), and a writing sample such as a policy brief or research paper on data governance, artificial intelligence, digital policy, or a related topic. For further inquiries, contact info@cseaafrica.org.
Why Apply
This fellowship is particularly well-suited for early-to-mid-career professionals who are already working in data or digital policy and want to formalise their expertise through structured mentorship and publication. The part-time commitment (just two hours per week) makes it accessible for those with full-time jobs, while the bi-weekly expert sessions offer direct access to sector leaders. The stipend, though modest, is a useful supplement and indicates that the organisers value fellows' time. The requirement to engage with a local institution also means your work will have tangible, on-the-ground impact rather than remaining purely academic. It is also noteworthy that the programme is bilingual (English and French), which expands networking opportunities across Anglophone and Francophone Africa. The application requires several written components, so it is an opportunity for strong writers and thinkers to distinguish themselves.
Before You Apply
This is a competitive fellowship, so your application needs to be polished and specific. Start by selecting one thematic area from the six listed and tailor your statement of interest and problem statement to that focus.
The problem statement is particularly important; it must identify a concrete, sub-regional challenge rather than a broad, continent-wide issue. Show that you understand the local context and can propose a focused policy angle.
Your writing sample should be directly relevant to your chosen theme, and a policy brief is preferred over a purely academic paper, as it demonstrates applied thinking.
Make sure your CV highlights your professional engagement with data governance, technology, or digital policy, as this is a strict eligibility criterion.
Finally, confirm you can commit the required two hours weekly and that you have a reliable internet connection before applying, as these are non-negotiable conditions.
