CSEA Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026

The 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship is a dynamic 3-month remote capacity-building programme for emerging leaders in the African data governance landscape. Organised by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), the fellowship equips early-career professionals and changemakers with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship to influence data governance and digital transformation across Africa.

For the 2026 cohort, 10 fellows will be selected across Africa. At the end of the fellowship, each fellow will be required to develop a policy brief and a blog on one of the fellowship themes and present their findings at a dedicated workshop.

This is a unique opportunity to turn expertise into meaningful impact. Apply now and become part of this transformative programme!

• Table of Content
• About Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA)
• CSEA Africa’s Data Future Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of CSEA Africa’s Data Future Fellowship
• Requirements for CSEA Africa’s Data Future Fellowship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for CSEA Africa’s Data Future Fellowship
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA)

The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) is an independent non-profit research organization established in April 2008 by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-lweala,former Managing Director, World Bank, and also Nigeria’s past Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Honourable Minister of Finance.

CSEA Africa’s Data Future Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of CSEA Africa’s Data Future Fellowship

• A stipend of US$1,500 maximum upon successful completion of the fellowship
• Bi-weekly virtual masterclasses and expert sessions with sector leaders
• Fellows’ work featured on CSEA’s platforms
• Pan-African professional network

Requirements for CSEA Africa’s Data Future Fellowship Qualification

The 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship is open to applicants who meet the following minimum criteria:

• Hold a postgraduate degree and have at least one year of professional experience in social sciences, law, technology, data policy, or related fields
• Be from, and resident in any African country
• Be currently working or professionally engaged in data governance, digital policy, Artificial Intelligence, technology, or related areas within any of the following sectors: Government institutions; Private sector organisations; AI start-ups, including fintech, edtech, healthtech, agritech, and related ventures; Research, policy think tanks, or universities; and Civil society organisations.
• Demonstrate an interest in and/or experience in the public sector, data governance, digital policy, and/or technology as an added advantage.
• Be willing and able to commit at least 2 hours per week for the duration of the fellowship.
• Have access to a reliable internet connection and a functional computer for the duration of the fellowship.

Interview date, Process and Venue for CSEA Africa’s Data Future Fellowship

The fellowship is granted through a competitive selection process based on applications submitted by eligible candidates. All applications must be submitted through the online application system and in English.

Fellowship Structure

1. The 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship will focus on the following thematic areas:

• Digital Rights
• Data Sharing
• Data Value Chain
• Digital Public Infrastructure
• Regulatory Interoperability
• Data Sovereignty
  
  2. Fellowship duration: 3 months (Starting in October, 2026)
  3. Institutional Placement: Fellows are expected to engage with a relevant institution within the data and digital policy ecosystem in their country during the fellowship period to disseminate the findings of their fellowship output
  4. Mode of delivery: Virtual
  5. Commitment: Bi-weekly virtual expert brainstorming sessions
  6. Language: English and French

Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Africans 2027 (Fully Funded to USA)

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details and enquiries, kindly contact [email protected]

For more Information, visit Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) Fellowship webpage