Application Deadline: 30 July 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 CSEA Africa’s Data Future Fellowship. The 2025 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 2025 cohort, 5 fellows will be selected from each sub-region across the continent. At the end of the fellowship, each fellow will be required to develop a policy brief on one of the fellowship themes and present their findings at a dedicated workshop.
Fellowship Structure
The 2025 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship will focus on the following thematic areas:
- Data Sharing
- Ethical Data Stewardship
- Digital Public Infrastructure
- Interoperability Standards & APIs
- AI Governance & Responsible Innovation
- Cross-Border Data Flows
Fellowship duration: 3 months (Starting in mid-August)
Geographic Representation: - 1 fellow per African sub-region (North, West, East, Central, and Southern). Francophone candidates with intermediate English proficiency are also encouraged to apply.
- Mode of delivery: Virtual
- Commitment: Bi-weekly virtual expert brainstorming sessions
- Language: English and French
Eligibility Criteria
The 2025 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship is open to:
- A postgraduate degree and at least one year of professional experience in social sciences, law, technology, data policy, or related fields
- Applicants from any sub-region of Africa (North, West, East, Central, Southern)
- Applicants with demonstrated interest and experience in data governance, digital policy, and/or technology
- Applicants should be able to commit 2 hours per week for the duration of the fellowship.
- Access to a reliable internet connection and a functional computer is required for participation
Fellowship Benefits
- A stipend of a total of $1,500 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
Application Procedure:
The fellowship is granted through a competitive process based on the application submitted by qualified candidates. All applications should be sent via the online application system and submitted in English.
Applicants are expected to submit:
- A completed application form
- A 2-page CV
- Statement of interest (200 words max)
- Problem statement on a data governance challenge in your sub-region related to any of the thematic areas highlighted above (300 words max)
- A writing sample (e.g., policy brief or research paper)
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the CSEA Africa’s Data Future Fellowship
