Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026: Remote Pan-African Data Governance Fellowship – Apply by 18 September
The 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship is now accepting applications from emerging African leaders interested in data governance, digital policy, artificial intelligence and technology. Organised by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), the fellowship is a three-month remote capacity-building programme designed to strengthen the knowledge, research and policy engagement of professionals working across Africa’s evolving digital ecosystem.
Starting in October 2026, the programme will bring together emerging leaders from African countries for virtual learning, expert sessions, professional networking and practical policy research. Successful fellows will also receive a stipend of up to US$1,500 upon completion.
What Is the Africa’s Data Future Fellowship?
The Africa’s Data Future Fellowship is designed to support professionals who are contributing to Africa’s data governance and digital transformation landscape.
The three-month programme will provide fellows with opportunities to engage with experts and sector leaders while developing practical knowledge around some of the continent’s most important digital policy issues.
The fellowship will be delivered entirely virtually, making it accessible to eligible participants across African countries.
2026 Fellowship Thematic Areas
Applicants will explore one or more key areas shaping Africa’s digital future. The fellowship focuses on:
- Digital Rights
- Data Sharing
- Data Value Chain
- Digital Public Infrastructure
- Regulatory Interoperability
- Data Sovereignty
These themes are particularly relevant to professionals working in technology, artificial intelligence, public policy, law, research, digital rights and data governance.
Fellowship Duration and Structure
The Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026 will run for three months, beginning in October 2026.
Fellows will participate in bi-weekly virtual expert brainstorming sessions, masterclasses and other learning activities featuring sector leaders.
As part of the programme, each fellow is also expected to engage with a relevant institution within the data and digital policy ecosystem in their country. This institutional placement will provide an opportunity to disseminate and discuss the findings generated through the fellowship.
The programme will be conducted in English and French, broadening its accessibility to professionals from different parts of the continent.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows can receive several professional and learning benefits.
The programme offers a stipend of up to US$1,500 upon successful completion of the fellowship. Participants will also have access to bi-weekly virtual masterclasses and expert sessions with leaders working in the digital and data policy sectors.
Additional benefits include the opportunity for fellows’ work to be featured on CSEA platforms, helping participants increase the visibility of their research and policy contributions.
Fellows will also join a Pan-African professional network, creating opportunities to build connections with other emerging professionals working on Africa’s digital transformation.
Expected Fellowship Outcome
The programme is focused on practical policy research rather than participation alone.
At the end of the fellowship, fellows are expected to produce a detailed policy brief and a blog post addressing an issue connected to one of the fellowship’s thematic areas.
Participants will also be required to present their work during a dedicated workshop.
This makes the programme particularly valuable for professionals seeking to strengthen their policy writing, research communication and evidence-based advocacy skills.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to applicants who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree and have at least one year of professional experience in social sciences, law, technology, data policy or a related field.
Applicants must also be from and resident in an African country.
Candidates should currently be working or professionally engaged in areas such as data governance, digital policy, artificial intelligence, technology or related fields.
Eligible professional sectors include government institutions, private companies, AI start-ups, fintech, edtech, healthtech, agritech ventures, research institutions, policy think tanks, universities and civil society organisations.
An interest in or experience involving the public sector, data governance, digital policy or technology will be an added advantage.
Applicants must be able to commit at least two hours per week throughout the fellowship and must have reliable internet access and a functional computer.
Application Requirements
The application process is competitive. Applicants must submit their applications through the online application system in English.
Required documents include:
- A completed application form
- A CV of no more than two pages
- A statement of interest of up to 300 words
- A problem statement of up to 300 words describing a data governance or digitalisation challenge in the applicant’s sub-region
- A writing sample, such as a policy brief or research paper, related to data governance, artificial intelligence, digital policy or a related subject
Applicants should carefully demonstrate their interest in their selected thematic area and show how their professional experience relates to Africa’s data and digital policy landscape.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026 is 18 September 2026.
Interested applicants should prepare their CV, statement of interest, problem statement and writing sample before submitting their online application.
For questions and additional information, applicants can contact info@cseaafrica.org.
Why Apply for Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026?
The fellowship offers African professionals an opportunity to deepen their understanding of critical data governance and digital policy issues while connecting with experts and peers across the continent.
With a remote format, a potential US$1,500 completion stipend, expert-led learning, publication opportunities and a Pan-African professional network, the programme can be particularly valuable for emerging leaders seeking to build careers at the intersection of technology, policy, data governance and digital transformation.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are passionate about shaping Africa’s digital future, the Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026 provides an opportunity to turn your research interests into practical policy contributions.
APPLY HERE
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
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