Call For Applications: TechForward Policy Fellowship for Early and Mid-Career Professionals in Africa
The TechForward Policy Fellowship, hosted by the Africa Center for Digital Transformation (ACDT), is a transformative three-month hybrid program designed to equip emerging leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks to shape Africa’s digital future. This fellowship seeks to empower participants to develop innovative, sustainable, and inclusive digital policies that drive economic and digital transformation across the continent.
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About the Fellowship
The fellowship is tailored for early and mid-career professionals passionate about technology, policy, and digital transformation. The Spring 2025 cohort will include 15 fellows from diverse African countries.
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Participants will engage in:
- Expert workshops
- Policy clinics
- Mentorship sessions
- A capstone project implementation
- A fully funded in-person policy conference
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is open to individuals with a background or interest in technology, public policy, or digital transformation, including:
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- Recent Graduates: Those with degrees in technology, public policy, economics, or social sciences.
- Early-Career Professionals: Individuals with 2+ years of experience in technology, advocacy, or policy.
- Activists and Civil Society Members: Advocates for technology-related community development.
- Entrepreneurs and Innovators: Tech startup founders or innovators addressing local challenges.
- Historically Marginalized Groups: Women, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be 18–30 years old at the time of application.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or relevant IT certification.
- Be citizens of an African country (residents abroad are eligible).
- Demonstrate proficiency in English (written and verbal).
- Have experience or interest in digital policies, advocacy, or related fields.
- Commit to participating in fellowship activities (4+ hours per week).
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following via the official application form:
- Personal Statement (200 words or a 2-minute video) outlining interest in digital policies and fellowship goals.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (1-page maximum).
- Project Abstract (1 page) addressing a digital-policy issue in Africa under one of the fellowship’s tracks:
- Legal and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection
- Digital Public Infrastructure & ICT Infrastructure
- Green and Digital-Twin Transition
Key Dates
- January: Application opens
- February: Application review and interviews
- Third Week of February: Decisions announced via email
- First Week of March: Virtual kickoff
- March–May: Fellowship program (remote)
- August/September: In-person policy conference (location TBD)
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Curriculum Highlights
Fellows will specialize in one of four policy areas:
- Legal and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection
- Digital Public Infrastructure & ICT Infrastructure
- Green and Digital-Twin Transition
The fellowship culminates in a 5-day in-person policy conference, providing an opportunity to network with global experts and mentors.
BENEFITS
- Gain hands-on experience in digital policy development.
- Network with leading experts in technology and policy.
- Contribute to shaping Africa’s digital transformation.
Deadline: January 24th, 2025.