Call for Applications: Africa?s Data Future Fellowship

Deadline: 18-Sep-26

The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) is inviting applications from emerging African professionals for the Africa’s Data Future Fellowship, a three-month virtual programme focused on data governance and digital policy. The fellowship is designed to build the capacity of emerging professionals across Africa and prepare a new generation of leaders to contribute to the continent’s digital future. Participants will explore critical issues including data rights, data sharing, infrastructure, sovereignty, and regulatory systems. Selected fellows will receive a US$1,500 stipend upon successful completion of the three-month programme, along with access to masterclasses, a pan-African professional network, and professional visibility opportunities through CSEA platforms.

About the Africa’s Data Future Fellowship

The Africa’s Data Future Fellowship was established by CSEA, a Nigerian research and policy think tank, to strengthen the skills and knowledge of emerging professionals working in or interested in data governance and digital policy. The programme responds to the rapidly changing digital environment across Africa and aims to help participants understand how data resources are governed, shared, and used. Through the fellowship, participants will engage with issues that are increasingly important to Africa’s digital development, including data rights, infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and control over data resources. What Is the Focus of the Fellowship? The three-month programme focuses on four core thematic areas.

These are:

- Digital rights and data sharing: Exploring rights related to data and the systems through which data is shared.

- Data value chains and sovereignty: Understanding how data creates value and the importance of African countries maintaining appropriate control over their data resources.

- Digital public infrastructure: Examining the infrastructure required to support inclusive and effective digital systems.

- Regulatory interoperability: Exploring how different regulatory systems can work together across jurisdictions.

These themes provide fellows with a broader understanding of the policy and governance challenges shaping Africa’s digital future. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is open to emerging African professionals who work in or have an interest in data governance, digital policy, technology policy, and related areas. Applicants may have interests or professional experience in areas such as: - Data governance. - Digital policy. - Digital rights. - Data sharing. - Data sovereignty. - Digital public infrastructure. - Regulatory systems. - Technology policy. The opportunity is intended for professionals who want to develop their understanding of data and digital policy issues and contribute to Africa’s evolving digital landscape. What Are the Benefits of the Fellowship? Selected fellows will receive several professional development and networking benefits.

These include:

- US$1,500 stipend upon successful completion of the programme. - Participation in a three-month virtual fellowship. - Bi-weekly virtual masterclasses led by industry leaders. - Access to a pan-African professional network. - Opportunities for professional visibility through features on CSEA platforms. The combination of training, networking, visibility, and financial support is intended to help fellows strengthen their professional development. Three-Month Virtual Programme The Africa’s Data Future Fellowship is conducted entirely online over three months. The virtual format enables emerging professionals from different African countries to participate without relocating. Fellows are expected to remain actively engaged throughout the programme and participate in scheduled activities, including the virtual masterclasses and other fellowship activities. Bi-Weekly Masterclasses With Industry Leaders As part of the fellowship experience, selected participants will take part in bi-weekly virtual masterclasses. These sessions will be led by industry leaders and will provide fellows with opportunities to deepen their understanding of data governance and digital policy. The masterclasses complement the fellowship’s thematic focus and can help participants connect policy concepts with developments and challenges in the digital sector. Pan-African Professional Network Fellows will also gain access to a pan-African professional network. This network provides an opportunity for participants from across the continent to connect with other professionals interested in data governance and digital policy. Building these connections can help fellows exchange ideas, develop professional relationships, and engage with peers working on related digital policy challenges. Professional Visibility Opportunities The fellowship also provides opportunities for selected participants to gain professional visibility through features on CSEA’s platforms. This can help fellows showcase their work, perspectives, and engagement with issues related to Africa’s data future. Who Is the Fellowship Designed For? The fellowship is particularly relevant for emerging professionals who want to understand or contribute to the development of Africa’s digital policy environment. It may be suitable for professionals interested in: - Developing expertise in data governance. - Understanding digital policy frameworks. - Exploring data rights and responsible data sharing. - Studying data sovereignty and value chains. - Learning about digital public infrastructure. - Understanding regulatory systems and interoperability. - Building a career in technology policy. - Connecting with professionals across Africa. Commitment Requirements Applicants must be able to commit to the full three-month virtual programme.

Participants are expected to

- Remain available throughout the three-month programme. - Participate in all scheduled activities. - Engage with the fellowship’s thematic areas. - Attend the required virtua