Call for Africa’s Data Future Fellowship Program 2025 by CSEA is open now!!!
The 2025 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship is an innovative and immersive 3-month remote capacity-building programme designed specifically for emerging leaders who are passionate about shaping the future of data governance in Africa. Organized by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), this fellowship aims to empower early-career professionals and changemakers with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and mentorship necessary to make a substantial impact on data governance and digital transformation across the continent.
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For the 2025 cohort, a selective process will identify five outstanding fellows from each of Africa’s sub-regions, ensuring a diverse representation of perspectives and experiences. Throughout the fellowship, participants will engage in a curriculum that covers critical themes such as data privacy, security, ethical data use, and the socio-economic implications of data-driven policies. In addition to interactive workshops and seminars led by experts in the field, fellows will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders and gain insights into best practices in data governance.
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After the programme, each fellow will be tasked with developing a comprehensive policy brief that addresses one of the key themes explored during the fellowship. This policy brief will serve as a vital contribution to ongoing discussions in the field. It will be presented at a dedicated workshop, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among peers and stakeholders. The fellowship not only aims to equip participants with relevant skills but also to inspire the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in Africa’s data landscape.
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
The fellowship program is set to span three months, commencing in mid-August and offering a rich opportunity for professional growth and collaboration. They seek to select one fellow from each of Africa’s five sub-regions: North, West, East, Central, and Southern Africa. In an effort to promote inclusivity and broaden the applicant pool, they highly encourage individuals who are fluent in French and possess a functional understanding of English to apply.
This innovative program will be conducted entirely online, enabling participants to engage from any location with internet access. To facilitate community-building and the exchange of diverse perspectives, fellows will convene virtually every two weeks for collaborative brainstorming sessions. These interactive sessions will be available in both English and French, creating an inclusive environment that allows for rich dialogue and the sharing of ideas among participants from various linguistic backgrounds. Overall, the fellowship aims to cultivate creativity, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and empower fellow participants to take meaningful action within their respective communities.
Expected Outcome:
Upon successful completion of the fellowship, each fellow is expected to produce a comprehensive policy brief that delves into one of the designated thematic areas of the program. This policy brief should demonstrate in-depth research, critical analysis, and well-supported recommendations. Furthermore, fellows will present their findings and insights during a specialized workshop designed for this purpose, allowing for constructive feedback and engagement with peers and experts in the field. This process not only enhances the fellows’ understanding of their chosen topic but also contributes to the broader discourse surrounding policy development and implementation.
Location:
OnlineBenefits
- 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
Eligibilities
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
Application Process
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)
Application Deadline: July 30, 2025 (5 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
