CSEA Africa’s 2026 Data Future Fellowship for early-career professionals ($1,500 stipend)

The 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship is a dynamic 3-month remote capacity-building programme for emerging leaders in the African data governance landscape. Organised by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), the fellowship equips early-career professionals and changemakers with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship to influence data governance and digital transformation across Africa.

For the 2026 cohort, 10 fellows will be selected across Africa. At the end of the fellowship, each fellow will be required to develop a policy brief and a blog on one of the fellowship themes and present their findings at a dedicated workshop.

This is a unique opportunity to turn expertise into meaningful impact. Apply now and become part of this transformative programme!

Fellowship Structure

1. 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

  2. Fellowship duration: 3 months (Starting in October, 2026)
  3. Institutional Placement: Fellows are expected to engage with a relevant institution within the data and digital policy ecosystem in their country during the fellowship period to disseminate the findings of their fellowship output
  4. Mode of delivery: Virtual
  5. Commitment: Bi-weekly virtual expert brainstorming sessions
  6. Language: English and French

Fellowship 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

Expected Outcome

Upon completion of the fellowship, fellows are required to develop a detailed policy brief and a blog post on any of the fellowship’s thematic areas and present their work at a dedicated workshop.

Eligibility Criteria

The 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship is open to applicants who meet the following minimum criteria:

• 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, or 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 and selection modality

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 or 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.

Application Deadline:18, September 2026

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Interested and Qualified candidates should use link below to apply.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

For more details and enquiries, kindly contact [email protected]