FAMReports Opportunity Desk | September 2026
Applications are now open for the Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026, 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 leaders working or professionally engaged in data governance, digital policy, Artificial Intelligence, technology and related areas.
The programme seeks to strengthen participants’ understanding of Africa’s evolving data governance landscape while connecting emerging professionals with experts and peers from across the continent.
Opportunity Category: Fellowship and Capacity Building
Programme: Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026
Organiser: Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA)
Location: Remote
Duration: 3 months
Funding: Stipend of up to US$1,500 upon successful completion
Eligibility: African citizens and residents
Deadline: September 18, 2026
Application Status: Applications Open
KEY THEMATIC AREAS
The 2026 fellowship will explore six major areas shaping Africa’s digital and data future:
• Digital Rights
• Data Sharing
• Data Value Chain
• Digital Public Infrastructure
• Regulatory Interoperability
• Data Sovereignty
These themes provide applicants with an opportunity to focus on areas that closely align with their professional interests and the data governance challenges affecting their countries or sub regions.
WHAT THE FELLOWSHIP OFFERS
Successful fellows will receive several professional development opportunities, including:
• A stipend of up to US$1,500 upon successful completion of the fellowship
• Bi weekly virtual masterclasses and expert sessions with leaders in the sector
• Opportunities for fellows’ work to be featured on CSEA platforms
• Access to a Pan African professional network
Beyond the financial support, the fellowship provides an opportunity for participants to strengthen their knowledge, expand professional networks and contribute to conversations around Africa’s digital transformation.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
The opportunity is particularly relevant to professionals working across government, technology, research, policy, private enterprise and civil society.
Applicants should:
• 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 related areas
Eligible professional environments include government institutions, private sector organisations, AI startups, fintech, edtech, healthtech, agritech and related ventures, research institutions, policy think tanks, universities and civil society organisations.
Experience or demonstrated interest in the public sector, data governance, digital policy and technology is an added advantage.
Applicants must also be able to commit at least two hours per week throughout the fellowship and have reliable internet access and a functional computer.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applications must be submitted online and in English.
Applicants are required to prepare:
• A completed application form
• A CV of no more than two pages
• A statement of interest of no more than 300 words explaining interest in the selected thematic areas
• A problem statement of no more than 300 words identifying a data governance or digitalisation challenge in the applicant’s sub region
• A writing sample, such as a policy brief or research paper, addressing data governance, Artificial Intelligence, digital policy or a related subject
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should complete the online application through the official Africa’s Data Future Fellowship application system and ensure that all required documents meet the specified length and content requirements.
IMPORTANT DEADLINE
Application deadline: September 18, 2026.
Prospective applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications, particularly because the fellowship requires a problem statement and a relevant writing sample.
FAMREPORTS APPLICATION PREPARATION GUIDE
Applicants can strengthen their submissions by:
• Selecting a thematic area that directly connects with their professional experience and career interests
• Presenting a specific and clearly defined data governance challenge in their sub region
• Using evidence and practical examples when developing the problem statement
• Keeping the CV concise and focused on relevant professional experience
• Choosing a writing sample that demonstrates strong research, policy analysis or technical understanding
• Clearly explaining how participation in the fellowship will contribute to their professional development and broader work in Africa’s digital ecosystem
FAMREPORTS OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT
Opportunity Level: High
Funding: Moderate, with a completion stipend of up to US$1,500
African Relevance: Very High
Professional Development: High
Competition: Competitive
Preparation Required: High, particularly because of the statement of interest, problem statement and writing sample
Delivery: Fully Remote
Application Status: Open
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The fellowship is intended for applicants who meet the stated postgraduate education, professional experience, African residency and sector engagement requirements. Applicants should carefully review the official application information before submission and ensure that all documents are prepared according to the specified word and page limits.
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FAMReports Opportunity Desk
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