Application Deadline: April 5, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 FUNGAI Africa DPI Governance in Africa Fellowship. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which includes identity systems, data platforms, and service portals reshaping state-citizen relations, is not neutral. It either deepens inequality or advances justice. This fellowship brings together a new generation of African researchers to audit DPI through a human rights and democratic lens.
Fellowship objectives
By the end of the programme, fellows will be able to:
- Analyze DPI governance using rights-based and social justice frameworks
- Investigate how DPI affects marginalised communities (women, refugees, rural populations, persons with disabilities)
- Apply digital security best practices in sensitive research environments
- Translate complex findings into policy, advocacy, and public-facing outputs
- Join a growing network of African digital rights and policy practitioners
Requirements
- Early-career researchers
- Digital rights advocates
- Policy thinkers
- Anyone passionate about technology, governance, and justice in AfricaApplications are now open for the DPI Governance in Africa Fellowship!
Fellowship Structure
- Fellows: 3 early-career researchers
- Duration: June – August 2026 (3 months)
- Format: Remote | Part-time (15–20 hrs/week)
- Stipend: $300/month ($900 total)
- Engagement: Bi-weekly virtual seminars
- Focus Countries: Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda, Tanzania
Programme Curriculum (3 Months)
Month 1: Foundations & Frameworks - Understanding DPI and its role in democracy and AI systems
- Rights-based frameworks: legality, transparency, accountability
- Research methods: interviews, document analysis, ethics, digital security
- Comparative research design
Output: Country research protocols + stakeholder maps
Month 2: Field Research & Documentation
- Conducting interviews and managing sensitive conversations
- Analysing policies, contracts, and legislation
- Data management: transcription, coding, secure storage
- Mid-point peer review and reflection
Output: Field notes, transcripts, preliminary findings
Month 3: Analysis & Translation
- Turning data into structured analysis
- Writing for advocacy: policy briefs, toolkits, public outputs
- Peer review and refinement
- Cross-country comparison and synthesis
Output: Final case study + policy outputs
Fellow Outputs
Fellows will contribute to:
- A DPI Research Report (country case studies + synthesis)
- A DPI Advocacy Toolkit
- Country Policy Briefs
- Press summaries & public messaging outputs
- Published opinion pieces
This fellowship is about ensuring that Africa’s digital future is built on:
- Justice
- Rights
- Inclusion
- Accountability
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the FUNGAI Africa DPI Governance in Africa Fellowship
