Call for The Code for Africa WanaData Fellowship 2026 is open now!!!
The WanaData Fellowship 2026: Digitalize Youth Voices in Africa is a strategic initiative spearheaded by Code for Africa (CfA) to address the growing need for data-driven transparency and civic engagement across the continent. At its core, this fellowship is designed to bridge the digital divide by empowering a new generation of African data storytellers and scientists to tackle complex societal challenges. By focusing on the intersection of youth participation and digital transformation, the program aims to amplify the voices of young Africans in the governance and human rights sectors, ensuring they are not just consumers of digital content, but active architects of the African digital landscape.
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The program arrives at a critical juncture for the African continent, particularly within the Sahel region, the Horn of Africa, and neighboring West African nations. These areas often face unique challenges regarding digital rights, information integrity, and gender equity. To address this, the fellowship is built around the pillars of SDG 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions. Through this thematic lens, fellows are encouraged to explore and document issues related to the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection, the rise of e-democracy, and the influence of digital mobilization in modern social movements.
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- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
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5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
The fellowship operates under the umbrella of the WanaData initiative—a Pan-African network of female journalists and data experts—but extends its reach to a broader collaborative ecosystem. This initiative is supported by a powerful coalition of international partners, including the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), CFI Media Development, the World Scout Bureau Africa Regional Office, and the Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF), with additional support from the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD). This partnership-led approach ensures that the fellowship is not just a localized project but a global effort to safeguard digital spaces and promote democratic values through high-quality investigative reporting and data analysis.
A major focus of the 2026 cohort is gender data. In many African contexts, data regarding women and youth is often underreported or overlooked. The fellowship seeks to change this narrative by providing the technical infrastructure and professional platform needed to produce gender-sensitive data projects. Fellows are tasked with creating content that illuminates content gaps in digital rights, freedom of expression, and human rights. By doing so, they provide policymakers and civil society with the evidence-based insights required to make informed decisions and drive meaningful reform.
Location:
OnlineBenefits
- A monthly stipend of USD 250 for the 6-month duration of the program.
- Hands-on technical training in the latest data tools and storytelling techniques.
- Personalized, one-on-one mentorship from industry experts in data science and civic technology.
- Continuous support from Code for Africa’s (CfA) Communities and Academy Team.
- Opportunities to contribute to high-impact projects centered on gender data and digital rights.
- Access to a prestigious pan-African network of data journalists, scientists, and technologists.
- Professional development in specialized areas such as SDG 16, cybersecurity, and e-democracy.
- Global exposure and a platform to amplify youth voices across the Sahel, West Africa, and the Horn of Africa.
Eligibilities
- Be a registered WanaData member with at least one (1) year of experience as a data scientist or data storyteller (journalist, media content creator, etc.) You must have a portfolio of published work you can share.
- Ideally, be based in the Sahel region, neighboring West Africa, or the Horn of Africa (exceptional applicants from elsewhere in Africa may be considered)
- Have a keen interest in digital rights, gender and youth civic engagement
- Be fluent in English or French (Bilingual is a plus) and Have experience in gender data research.
- Possess an interest in the fellowship’s thematic focus, including cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection, e-democracy, digital mobilization in social movements, gender SDG16, freedom of expression, and human rights, among others. Demonstrate the ability to track contributions and submit reports efficiently.
- Be willing to participate in mentorship, training, and outreach activities.
- Comply with WanaData’s policies on attribution, privacy, and friendly space guidelines.
Application Process
Apply online through the Apply now link.
Application Deadline: January 11, 2026 (14 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
