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
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
Fellowship duration:
- 3 months (Starting in October, 2026)
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
Mode of delivery: Virtual
Commitment: Bi-weekly virtual expert brainstorming sessions
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 & 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.
Deadline: 18, September 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicant can apply via this link
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