Africa's Data Future Fellowship Opens for 2026 Applications

Applications are now open for the 2026 Africa's Data Future Fellowship, a three-month remote program designed for emerging leaders in data governance across the continent. Organized by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), the fellowship carries a deadline of September 18, 2026.

According to the source, the program will focus on building capacity in several key thematic areas. These include Digital Rights, Data Sharing, and the Data Value Chain. Other core topics are Digital Public Infrastructure, Regulatory Interoperability, and Data Sovereignty.

Fellowship Benefits and Structure

Successful participants will receive a stipend of up to US$1,500 upon completing the program. The fellowship is conducted remotely and includes bi-weekly virtual masterclasses and sessions with sector leaders. Fellows will also have their work featured on CSEA's platforms and gain access to a Pan-African professional network.

The program requires a commitment of at least two hours per week from participants. All fellows must have access to a reliable internet connection and a functional computer for the duration of the three-month initiative.

Eligibility Requirements

Prospective applicants must meet specific criteria to be considered. They must hold a postgraduate degree and have at least one year of professional experience in fields like social sciences, law, technology, or data policy. Eligibility is restricted to individuals who are from and currently reside in any African country.

Applicants must also be professionally engaged in data governance, digital policy, Artificial Intelligence, or related technology areas. The source lists several acceptable sectors for this professional engagement.

Demonstrating an interest or experience in the public sector, data governance, digital policy, or technology is listed as an added advantage.

Application Process

Selection for the fellowship is competitive and based on applications submitted by eligible candidates. All applications must be submitted in English through an online system.

The required application materials are comprehensive. Applicants must submit a completed application form and a CV of no more than two pages. A statement of interest explaining the candidate's chosen thematic areas is required, with a maximum length of 300 words.

Additionally, candidates must provide a 300-word problem statement outlining a specific data governance or digitalisation challenge in their sub-region. A final requirement is a writing sample, such as a policy brief or research paper, on a topic like data governance, Artificial Intelligence, or digital policy.

For more details, prospective applicants can visit the official Africa's Data Future Fellowship page provided by the organizing centre.