The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) is accepting applications for the 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship, a paid three-month remote program for African professionals working in data governance, digital policy, or technology. Ten fellows receive up to a $1,500 stipend, bi-weekly masterclasses, and a Pan-African network. Applications close September 18, 2026.
At a glance
| Deadline | September 18, 2026 |
| Eligibility | African nationals residing in an African country; postgraduate degree with at least 1 year of professional experience in social sciences, law, technology, data policy, or a related field; currently working in data governance, digital policy, AI, or tech |
| Benefit | Up to US$1,500 stipend on completion, bi-weekly virtual masterclasses, featured work on CSEA platforms, and a Pan-African professional network |
| Format | Fully remote, 3 months, starting October 2026. Bi-weekly sessions in English and French, minimum 2 hours a week |
| How to apply | Online application form plus supporting documents |
| Official link | CSEA, 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship |
Who’s eligible
According to CSEA’s official call for applications, applicants must be African nationals residing in an African country, and hold a postgraduate degree with at least one year of professional experience in social sciences, law, technology, data policy, or a related field. Applicants should currently work in data governance, digital policy, AI, or the wider technology sector, whether in government, the private sector, a startup, research, or civil society. Fellows also need institutional placement they can work from during the program, at least 2 hours a week to commit, and reliable internet with a functional computer.
The thematic focus spans digital rights, data sharing, the data value chain, digital public infrastructure, regulatory interoperability, and data sovereignty, so applicants working across any of these areas are a fit.
What you get
CSEA selects 10 fellows across the continent. Each receives a stipend of up to US$1,500 on completion, access to bi-weekly virtual masterclasses with sector leaders, a platform to have their work featured on CSEA’s own channels, and a Pan-African network of peers working in data governance. In return, fellows are expected to produce a detailed policy brief, a blog post on their chosen thematic area, and present their findings at a dedicated workshop.
How to apply
Applications go through CSEA’s online form and require several supporting documents:
- A completed application form
- A CV, maximum 2 pages
- A statement of interest, maximum 300 words
- A problem statement, maximum 300 words
- A writing sample on a relevant topic
Full requirements and context are on CSEA’s official call for applications.
Key dates
- Application deadline: September 18, 2026
- Fellowship start: October 2026
- Duration: 3 months, delivered remotely
- Selection: competitive, 10 fellows chosen across Africa
FAQ
Is Africa’s Data Future Fellowship open to professionals outside Africa?
No. Applicants must be African nationals residing in an African country.
Is the fellowship paid?
Yes. Fellows receive a stipend of up to US$1,500 on completion of the program.
How much time does the fellowship require?
At least 2 hours a week over 3 months, built around bi-weekly virtual sessions.
What do fellows produce during the program?
A detailed policy brief, a blog post on their chosen thematic area, and a presentation of their findings at a dedicated workshop.
How many fellows are selected?
Ten, chosen through a competitive selection process across the continent.
More opportunities like this: Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 and African Entrepreneur Fellowships: Funding and Support.
Source: CSEA, Call for Application: 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship.
