Call for Applications: 2025 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship – Building the Next Generation of Data Governance Leaders
The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship, a transformative three-month remote capacity-building programme designed for emerging professionals shaping the future of data governance and digital transformation across Africa.
This fellowship is an opportunity for early-career leaders to acquire critical knowledge, sharpen their policy influence, and contribute to a pan-African dialogue on ethical, inclusive, and innovative data use. The programme empowers fellows to explore key themes in data stewardship while building a strong professional network across the continent.
About the Fellowship
The 2025 fellowship will convene a diverse cohort of five fellows—one from each of Africa’s sub-regions: North, West, East, Central, and Southern Africa. The program is conducted virtually, ensuring accessibility for participants from across the continent.
The fellowship is structured to deliver practical learning and policy engagement. Over the course of three months, fellows will engage with expert mentors, participate in interactive masterclasses, and develop a policy brief aligned with one of the programme’s thematic areas. The fellowship culminates in a dedicated virtual workshop where fellows present their policy findings.
Thematic Focus Areas
The 2025 cohort will explore the following critical areas in Africa’s data ecosystem:
- Data Sharing
- Ethical Data Stewardship
- Digital Public Infrastructure
- Interoperability Standards & APIs
- AI Governance and Responsible Innovation
- Cross-Border Data Flows
Programme Structure and Commitments
- Duration: 3 months, beginning mid-August 2025
- Format: Fully remote
- Time Commitment: Approximately 2 hours per week, including bi-weekly virtual brainstorming and expert sessions
- Languages: The programme will be conducted in English, with French interpretation for Francophone candidates
- Eligibility: Applicants must reside in Africa and be available to participate virtually
Fellowship Benefits
- A stipend of $1,500 USD, awarded upon successful completion
- Access to bi-weekly virtual masterclasses with leading practitioners in data governance, technology, and policy
- Inclusion in a pan-African professional network of emerging data leaders
- Publication of fellows’ work on CSEA’s platforms
- Mentorship and exposure to career-building opportunities in the data policy space
Expected Deliverables
Each fellow is expected to:
- Develop and submit a policy brief addressing a specific challenge related to one of the fellowship themes
- Present their findings at a virtual workshop hosted by CSEA at the end of the fellowship
- Engage actively in fellowship sessions and maintain consistent communication with mentors and programme coordinators
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2025 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a postgraduate degree in social sciences, law, technology, public policy, or related fields
- Possess at least one year of professional experience in areas related to data policy, governance, or digital transformation
- Demonstrate a clear interest in data governance and public interest technology
- Be a citizen and resident of any African country, with representation sought from each sub-region
- Have access to a reliable internet connection and a functioning computer for virtual participation
- Be available to commit approximately 2 hours per week for the duration of the programme
Application Process
The fellowship is awarded through a competitive selection process. All interested applicants are required to submit their materials via the online application form provided.
Application Requirements:
- A completed online application form (available at the link below)
- A 2-page CV
- A statement of interest (200 words max)
- A problem statement on a data governance challenge relevant to the applicant’s sub-region (300 words max)
- A writing sample (e.g., policy brief, academic article, blog, or research paper)
Apply here: Online Application Form
Deadline for applications: 30 July 2025
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For enquiries, please contact: [email protected]
About CSEA
The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) is a non-profit think tank that conducts research to inform policy and promote inclusive development in Africa. CSEA’s work spans multiple domains, including economic policy, digital transformation, governance, and education.
For more information, please visit CSEA official website.
For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the awarding organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
