Shape Africa’s Digital Future — Apply for the 2025 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship. Are you passionate about data governance, digital transformation, or AI policy in Africa? If so, the 2025 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship offers an exciting opportunity to become a changemaker and directly influence the continent’s digital future. Organized by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), this fully remote, three-month program targets early-career professionals and emerging leaders across the African continent.
The fellowship runs from mid-August to mid-November 2025. Throughout the program, participants will engage in bi-weekly expert-led sessions, receive personalized mentorship, and collaborate with a pan-African network of peers. Each fellow will focus on one of the following thematic areas:
- Data Sharing
- Ethical Data Stewardship
- Digital Public Infrastructure
- Interoperability Standards & APIs
- AI Governance & Responsible Innovation
- Cross-Border Data Flows
In addition, each fellow will develop a policy brief based on their chosen theme and present their findings during a closing workshop. This ensures that participants not only gain knowledge but also apply it to real-world challenges.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive package of support, which includes:
- A $1,500 stipend upon successful completion
- Access to expert-led masterclasses with top professionals
- Feature opportunities on CSEA’s digital platforms
- A professional pan-African network for future collaboration
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants should:
- Hold a postgraduate degree and possess at least one year of professional experience in law, technology, data policy, or social sciences
- Reside in any African sub-region (North, West, East, Central, or Southern Africa)
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in data governance and digital innovation
- Commit a minimum of 2 hours per week throughout the fellowship
- Have reliable internet access and a working computer
Additionally, Francophone candidates with intermediate English proficiency are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Guidelines
To apply for this competitive fellowship, submit the following documents:
- A completed application form
- A two-page CV
- A brief statement of interest (maximum 200 words)
- A problem statement (maximum 300 words) highlighting a data governance challenge in your sub-region related to the listed themes
- A writing sample, such as a policy brief or research paper
Deadline: July 30, 2025
Questions or inquiries, email: [email protected]
