CSEA Africa Data Future Fellowship 2026 – Apply Now

The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) is offering a three-month virtual fellowship for emerging professionals working in data governance, digital policy, Artificial Intelligence and related fields. The 2026 cohort will bring together 10 fellows for expert-led learning, research, mentorship and professional engagement around key data and digital policy issues affecting Africa.

Responsibilities

• Participate in bi-weekly expert sessions, masterclasses and fellowship activities.
• Conduct research around a selected data governance or digital policy theme.
• Develop a policy brief and related blog post during the fellowship.
• Present research findings at a dedicated workshop.
• Engage with a relevant institution within the data and digital policy ecosystem in the applicant's country.
• Commit at least two hours per week throughout the programme.

Requirements

• 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 currently resident in an African country.
• Be professionally engaged in data governance, digital policy, Artificial Intelligence, technology or a related area.
• Have reliable internet access and a functional computer.
• Be able to participate throughout the three-month fellowship.
• Experience or interest in public-sector work, data governance, digital policy or technology is an advantage.

Benefits

• Stipend of up to US$1,500 upon successful completion of the fellowship.
• Bi-weekly virtual masterclasses and expert-led sessions.
• Professional development in data governance and digital policy.
• Mentorship and exposure to experienced professionals.
• Opportunity to have fellowship work featured on CSEA platforms.
• Access to a Pan-African professional network.
• Exposure to organisations working across Africa's digital policy ecosystem.

• 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 currently resident in an African country.
• Be professionally engaged in data governance, digital policy, Artificial Intelligence, technology or a related area.
• Have reliable internet access and a functional computer.
• Be able to participate throughout the three-month fellowship.
• Experience or interest in public-sector work, data governance, digital policy or technology is an advantage.

Benefits

• Stipend of up to US$1,500 upon successful completion of the fellowship.
• Bi-weekly virtual masterclasses and expert-led sessions.
• Professional development in data governance and digital policy.
• Mentorship and exposure to experienced professionals.
• Opportunity to have fellowship work featured on CSEA platforms.
• Access to a Pan-African professional network.
• Exposure to organisations working across Africa's digital policy ecosystem.