The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) has opened applications for the 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship, a three-month virtual programme aimed at strengthening the skills and knowledge of emerging African professionals in data governance and digital policy.

The fellowship is designed for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the policies, systems and regulatory issues influencing Africa’s digital future. Participants will also have opportunities to engage with experts and fellow professionals from across the continent.

Successful fellows will receive a US$1,500 stipend after completing the programme. Other benefits include access to virtual masterclasses, professional networking opportunities and the possibility of being featured on CSEA’s platforms.

The fellowship is organised by CSEA, a Nigerian research and policy think tank that focuses on producing evidence to support economic and development policy in Nigeria and across Africa.

The 2026 edition will be conducted entirely online over three months. Its virtual structure enables participants from different African countries to take part without relocating.

The programme is centred on preparing professionals to contribute meaningfully to conversations and policy decisions concerning the governance, sharing and use of data across Africa.

The fellowship will cover four major thematic areas: digital rights and data sharing; data value chains and sovereignty; digital public infrastructure; and regulatory interoperability.

Participants will examine digital rights as well as responsible approaches to sharing and using data. The programme will also explore how data generates value and why appropriate control over African data resources is important.

Another area of focus will be digital public infrastructure and its contribution to Africa’s digital development. Fellows will further examine regulatory interoperability, including how regulatory systems can function effectively across different jurisdictions and digital environments.

As part of the fellowship benefits, selected participants will receive a US$1,500 stipend upon successful completion of the programme.

Fellows will also take part in bi-weekly virtual masterclasses conducted by industry leaders and professionals with expertise in relevant aspects of data governance and digital policy.

The programme will provide participants with access to a growing Pan-African professional network comprising people working within Africa’s data and digital policy ecosystem. Through the network, fellows will have opportunities to exchange ideas and establish professional relationships with emerging professionals across the continent.

Selected fellows may additionally be featured on CSEA’s platforms, providing greater professional visibility within the organisation’s policy and professional network.

The fellowship is open to emerging African professionals who are working in or interested in data governance and digital policy. Relevant areas of interest or professional experience include data governance, digital policy, digital rights, data sharing, data sovereignty, digital public infrastructure, regulatory systems and technology policy.

Professionals from across the African continent are eligible to apply, provided they can commit to the three-month virtual programme and participate in its scheduled activities.

The programme will be delivered remotely for its entire three-month duration. Participants will engage with experts and other fellows through online sessions, including bi-weekly masterclasses and other fellowship activities designed to strengthen their knowledge and professional networks.

Applications for the 2026 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship close on September 18, 2026. Interested professionals are expected to submit their applications before the deadline and ensure they satisfy the requirements outlined on the application form.

Applicants can complete the online application form provided by CSEA.

Application form: Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026 Application Form.

For enquiries concerning the fellowship, CSEA has provided info@cseaafrica.org as the contact email.

The key details of the programme are as follows: the programme is the Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026, organised by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA). It will run for three months in a virtual format and targets emerging African professionals.

Its primary focus is data governance and digital policy, while the stipend is US$1,500 upon successful completion. The programme will feature bi-weekly masterclasses, with applications closing on September 18, 2026. The location is remote/Africa.

Source: msmeafricaonline