Apply Now: TechForward Policy Fellowship 2025 for Emerging Leaders in Africa

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Application Deadline: January 24th, 2025

Are you an emerging leader passionate about technology, policy, and digital transformation in Africa? The TechForward Policy Fellowship, hosted by the Africa Center for Digital Transformation (ACDT), offers an exciting opportunity for early and mid-career professionals to help shape Africa’s digital future. This hybrid, three-month program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to develop sustainable and inclusive digital policies that drive economic growth and digital transformation across the continent.

About the TechForward Policy Fellowship

The fellowship is a transformative program for individuals who are eager to make a lasting impact on Africa’s digital landscape. The Spring 2025 cohort will consist of 15 fellows from diverse African countries, who will participate in hands-on workshops, policy clinics, mentorship sessions, and a capstone project.

Fellows will engage in:

  • Expert-led workshops
  • Policy clinics
  • Mentorship sessions
  • Capstone project implementation
  • Fully funded in-person policy conference

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is open to passionate and talented individuals with an interest or background in technology, public policy, or digital transformation. We particularly encourage applications from:

  • Recent Graduates: Individuals with degrees in technology, public policy, economics, or social sciences.
  • Early-Career Professionals: Those with 2+ years of experience in technology, advocacy, or policy.
  • Activists and Civil Society Members: Individuals advocating for technology-related community development.
  • Entrepreneurs and Innovators: Tech startup founders or those addressing local challenges.
  • Historically Marginalized Groups: Women, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be 18–30 years old at the time of application.
  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree or relevant IT certification.
  • Be a citizen of an African country (residents abroad are eligible).
  • Demonstrate proficiency in English (written and verbal).
  • Have experience or a strong interest in digital policies, advocacy, or related fields.
  • Be committed to participating in fellowship activities for 4+ hours per week.

How to Apply

To apply, submit the following via the official application form:

  • Personal Statement (200 words or a 2-minute video) outlining your interest in digital policies and your goals for the fellowship.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) (1-page maximum).
  • Project Abstract (1-page) addressing a digital policy issue in Africa within one of the following fellowship tracks:
    • Legal and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
    • Cybersecurity and Data Protection
    • Digital Public Infrastructure & ICT Infrastructure
    • Green and Digital-Twin Transition

Important Dates

  • January: Application Opens
  • February: Application Review and Interviews
  • Third Week of February: Decisions Announced
  • First Week of March: Virtual Kickoff
  • March–May: Remote Fellowship Program
  • August/September: In-person Policy Conference (location TBD)

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 program culminates in a 5-day in-person policy conference, offering fellows the chance to engage with global experts and mentors, expand their networks, and further their careers in digital policy.

Fellowship Benefits

By joining the TechForward Policy Fellowship, fellows will:

  • Gain hands-on experience in digital policy development.
  • Network with leading experts in technology and policy.
  • Contribute to shaping Africa’s digital transformation.

Apply Here

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