Application Deadline: September 18, 2026
About the Fellowship
The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) is inviting applications for the 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship, a three-month virtual programme designed to strengthen the capacity of emerging African professionals working in data governance and digital policy. The fellowship is aimed at professionals who want to deepen their understanding of the policies and systems shaping Africa’s digital future while connecting with experts and peers from across the continent. Selected fellows will receive a US$1,500 stipend upon successful completion of the fellowship. The programme will also provide access to virtual masterclasses, professional networking, and opportunities for fellows to be featured on CSEA’s platforms. Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) is a Nigerian research and policy think tank focused on generating evidence to inform economic and development policy in Nigeria and Africa. The 2026 fellowship will run for three months and will be delivered remotely, allowing selected participants from different African countries to participate without relocating.
Key Areas of Focus
The fellowship will focus on four thematic areas:
1. Digital Rights and Data Sharing: Participants will explore issues around digital rights and the responsible sharing and use of data.
2. Data Value Chains and Sovereignty: The programme will examine how data creates value and the importance of African countries having appropriate control over their data resources.
3. Digital Public Infrastructure: Fellows will also engage with issues surrounding digital public infrastructure and its role in Africa’s digital development.
4. Regulatory Interoperability: The fellowship will address how regulatory systems can work together effectively across different jurisdictions and digital environments.
Fellowship Benefits
- US$1,500 Stipend: Each selected fellow will receive a US$1,500 stipend upon successful completion of the fellowship.
- Virtual Masterclasses: Fellows will participate in bi-weekly virtual masterclasses led by industry leaders and professionals working in relevant areas of data governance and digital policy.
- Pan-African Professional Network: Participants will also join a growing professional network of people working across Africa’s data and digital policy ecosystem, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas and build professional connections with other emerging professionals across the continent.
- Professional Visibility: Selected fellows may also have opportunities to be featured on CSEA’s platforms, giving them additional visibility within the organisation’s professional and policy network.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Data governance and digital policy are increasingly critical to Africa’s economic and social development. As the continent continues to digitise, the need for professionals who understand the complexities of data sharing, sovereignty, infrastructure, and regulation is growing. This fellowship provides emerging African professionals with the knowledge, networks, and visibility needed to contribute to these important conversations and shape Africa’s digital future. For emerging professionals across Africa working in or interested in data governance and digital policy, this fellowship offers:
- A US$1,500 stipend upon successful completion
- Bi-weekly virtual masterclasses with industry leaders
- A Pan-African professional network of peers and experts
- Visibility through CSEA’s platforms
- A three-month virtual programme accessible from anywhere
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for emerging African professionals working in or interested in data governance and digital policy. Applicants should have an interest or professional background connected to areas such as data governance, digital policy, digital rights, data sharing, data sovereignty, digital public infrastructure, regulatory systems, and technology policy. The programme is open to professionals across the African continent. Applicants should also be able to commit to the three-month virtual programme and participate in its scheduled activities.
Programme Format
The Africa’s Data Future Fellowship is fully virtual and will run for three months. This format allows professionals based in different African countries to participate remotely while engaging with experts and other fellows through online sessions. The programme includes bi-weekly masterclasses and other fellowship activities focused on strengthening participants’ knowledge and professional networks.
Application Deadline: September 18, 2026
Interested professionals should submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that they meet the requirements specified on the application form.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can complete the online application form provided by CSEA.
Application Link: Click here
For More Information: Visit the Official CSEA Africa’s Data Future Fellowship Page
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