Applications are now open for the 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship, a three-month remote capacity-building programme designed to support emerging leaders in the African data governance landscape.
The programme provides expert masterclasses, professional networking, and policy research experience to help professionals contribute practical research and policy perspectives to Africa’s evolving digital ecosystem.
Organised by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), the initiative targets emerging African professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the policies, systems, and regulatory issues shaping Africa’s digital future.
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Programme Support
Selected fellows will receive structured support aimed at strengthening their expertise and amplifying their voices in policy discussions. Only 10 fellows will be selected across the continent.
Financial Support: Participants will receive a stipend of up to US$1,500 upon successful completion of the programme.
Expert Sessions: The programme will provide bi-weekly virtual masterclasses and brainstorming sessions with experienced practitioners and sector leaders.
Professional Visibility: Selected fellows will have the opportunity to develop policy-oriented outputs and may have their work featured on CSEA’s platforms.
Network Access: Founders and professionals will gain curated access to a Pan-African network of researchers, stakeholders, and ecosystem leaders within the digital policy space.
Focus Sectors
The programme will focus on exploring the most important policy questions shaping Africa’s digital transformation across these thematic areas:
- Digital Rights
- Data Sharing
- Data Value Chain
- Digital Public Infrastructure
- Regulatory Interoperability
- Data Sovereignty
Eligibility
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Must be from and currently reside in an African country.
- Hold a postgraduate degree and have at least one year of professional experience in social sciences, law, technology, data policy, or a related field.
- Currently work or engage professionally in sectors such as government, private companies, AI start-ups (including fintech, edtech, healthtech, agritech), research institutions, policy think tanks, or civil society organisations.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in the public sector, data governance, digital policy, and/or technology.
- Be able to commit at least two hours per week throughout the three-month fellowship.
- Have reliable internet access and a functional computer.
Programme Timeline
Application Deadline: September 18, 2026
Programme Duration: Three months (starting October 2026)
How to Apply
Interested emerging African professionals working in data governance and digital policy can apply before the September 18, 2026 deadline by visiting the official CSEA application page to submit their CV, statement of interest, problem statement, and writing sample.