The 2025 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship is now open for applications from ambitious, early-career African professionals who are eager to shape the continent’s digital and data governance future. This transformational, fully remote, fully funded fellowship is hosted by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) and designed to strengthen the voices of young African professionals working in areas related to data governance, technology policy, and innovation.
With a limited intake of five fellows, this opportunity offers unprecedented access to mentorship, skill development, and regional influence. Each fellow will represent one of Africa’s five regions—North, West, East, Central, and Southern Africa—ensuring diverse representation and inclusive perspectives in Africa’s data discourse. This is your last chance to become part of a growing network of young African policy leaders working on some of the most urgent digital transformation topics in the world today.
The fellowship will run virtually from mid-August to mid-November 2025 and is curated to be flexible, impact-driven, and collaborative. Fellows will dive deep into six key themes: Ethical Data Stewardship, Data Sharing Frameworks, Digital Public Infrastructure, Interoperability and APIs, Cross-Border Data Flows, and AI Governance and Responsible Innovation. Through bi-weekly virtual sessions, guided workshops, policy labs, and brainstorming meetings, participants will produce and present a policy brief on one of the thematic areas—offering actionable solutions for the African continent.
Fellows will also receive a stipend of $1,500 USD, paid after successful completion of the program and submission of all deliverables. Beyond the financial reward, the fellowship is a springboard for thought leadership, visibility, and collaboration. Fellows’ work will be showcased through CSEA’s publications, social media platforms, and newsletters, providing participants with broad exposure across the policy, governance, and development sectors.
Importantly, the fellowship is remote and requires only 2 hours per week, making it ideal for working professionals, consultants, postgraduate students, or early-career researchers who want to elevate their policy skills without disrupting their primary commitments. The structure also enables fellows to learn from leading experts in African data policy, build long-term professional relationships, and connect with peers from across the continent.
This is not just a learning experience—it is a career-defining, visibility-enhancing, high-impact opportunity. Fellows will engage in behind-the-scenes policy conversations, uncover the hidden architecture of Africa’s digital systems, and get access to insider resources and strategic insights. The output—your published policy brief—can be the launchpad for future consulting, advisory, and advocacy roles.
This fellowship aims to prepare you for real-world policy influence by building your capacity to think critically, write persuasively, and act strategically. Whether you’re seeking to join an international development organization, contribute to a government think tank, or drive change at a grassroots level, this program is your fast-track to professional impact.
The Africa’s Data Future Fellowship represents a powerful opportunity to contribute to conversations that will define the continent’s digital direction. You’ll tackle questions such as: How should Africa regulate AI? How can cross-border data sharing enhance trade and innovation? What frameworks best serve privacy, ethics, and sovereignty in data management? Your answers will not only be heard—they’ll be supported, sharpened, and published.
Name of Organizer
Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA)
Requirement/Eligibility
1. Applicant must hold a postgraduate degree (Master’s or equivalent) in social sciences, law, technology, development, or a related field.
2. Minimum of one year of professional or academic experience in policy, research, technology, or governance.
3. Must be a citizen of an African country; applicants from all regions are encouraged to apply.
4. Intermediate English proficiency is required (Francophone candidates are welcome).
5. Must have a strong interest in digital governance and policy innovation.
6. Should have a reliable internet connection and a computer to attend virtual sessions.
7. Must commit to attending bi-weekly virtual meetings and dedicating about 2 hours per week.
8. Should be available from mid-August to mid-November 2025.
9. Must submit a policy brief or equivalent writing sample as part of the application.
10. Must demonstrate a strong sense of commitment and a desire to contribute to Africa’s data transformation.
Duration/Stipend
Duration: 3 months (mid-August to mid-November 2025)
Stipend: $1,500 USD paid upon successful completion of deliverables and full participation in the fellowship.
Deadline
30 July 2025
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