About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Applications are now open for the 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship, a three-month remote capacity-building programme organised by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA).
The fellowship is designed for emerging African professionals and changemakers working at the intersection of data governance, digital policy, technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
For the 2026 cohort, 10 fellows will be selected from across Africa. Fellows will receive expert-led learning, mentorship and opportunities to develop practical policy-oriented work addressing important data and digitalisation challenges on the continent.
Fellowship Themes
The 2026 fellowship will focus on:
Digital Rights
Data Sharing
Data Value Chain
Digital Public Infrastructure
Regulatory Interoperability
Data Sovereignty
Fellowship Structure
Duration: 3 months
Expected start: October 2026
Format: Fully virtual/remote
Cohort: 10 fellows
Commitment: Bi-weekly virtual expert brainstorming sessions
Language: English and French
Institutional engagement: Fellows are expected to engage with a relevant institution within their country's data and digital policy ecosystem.
During the fellowship, participants will develop a policy brief and blog addressing a relevant issue within one of the fellowship's thematic areas and present their findings at a dedicated workshop.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Hold a postgraduate degree.
Have at least one year of professional experience in social sciences, law, technology, data policy or a related field.
Be from and resident in an African country.
Be currently working or professionally engaged in data governance, digital policy, artificial intelligence, technology or related areas.
Work in or have professional engagement with sectors such as:
Government institutions
Private-sector organisations
AI startups, including fintech, edtech, healthtech and agritech ventures
Research institutions, policy think tanks or universities
Civil society organisations
Demonstrate an interest in or experience with public-sector issues, data governance, digital policy and/or technology.
Be able to commit at least 2 hours per week throughout the fellowship.
Have reliable internet access and a functional computer.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows will receive:
Up to US$1,500 stipend upon successful completion of the fellowship
Bi-weekly virtual masterclasses and expert sessions with sector leaders
Opportunities for their work to be featured on CSEA platforms
Access to a growing Pan-African professional network
Capacity building in data governance and digital policy
Mentorship and exposure to experts working in Africa's digital ecosystem
Important Note About the Stipend
The US$1,500 is a maximum stipend paid upon successful completion of the fellowship; it should not be interpreted as a monthly stipend or guaranteed upfront payment.
Required Application Materials
Applicants should prepare:
Completed online application form
CV — maximum 2 pages
Statement of interest — maximum 300 words, explaining interest in the selected fellowship themes
Problem statement — maximum 300 words, outlining a data governance or digitalisation challenge in the applicant's sub-region
Writing sample, such as a policy brief or research paper on data governance, AI, digital policy or a related subject
Applications must be submitted in English.
Application Deadline
18 September 2026
Only 10 fellows will be selected for the 2026 cohort, making this a competitive opportunity.
Eligibility for Ugandan Applicants
Uganda is eligible.
How to apply