Code for Africa (CfA) AI Ethics Fellowship 2026 for mid-career professionals ($500/month stipend)

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: 30th March 2026

Fellowship Overview

Applications are now open for fellowships to mid-career professionals with experience in digital governance, policy and rights who want to make an impact in Africa’s AI landscape. The fellowship is seeking experts based in the Sahel, as well as neighbouring countries in West and East Africa.

Under this fellowship, chosen candidates will develop research and policy recommendations for the ethical adoption of AI tools in governance and civic technology sectors, keeping the safeguarding of individuals at the centre of the work. Candidates will do this by analysing regional regulations and global standards while designing strategies to mitigate bias and advocate for inclusive AI policies.

Fellows will produce key deliverables such as AI workplace policies, culturally informed impact assessments, regulatory reports, and risk evaluations. Applicants should have experience in policy/regulation drafting or review as well as privacy or digital laws and frameworks. Candidates with experience in areas such as AI ethics, technology ethics, or the societal impact of technology, particularly concerning vulnerable populations will have an advantage.

Selected fellows will receive support from TechLab, DataLab, and AI Sandbox, alongside the Digitalise Youth consortium’s policy advisors and global ethical AI networks. Partners include digital rights organisations, think tanks, and democratic governance experts. Fellows will gain strategic resources to refine their frameworks, from technical guidance to policy advocacy platforms.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship seeks policy experts and ethicists with:

• Governance Expertise – Background in policy development, regulatory compliance, or digital rights related to technology, data or innovation.
• Policy Drafting – Skill in creating guidelines, legal briefs, or advisory reports.
• Global Frameworks – Knowledge of GDPR, OECD AI Principles, or UNESCO’s AI ethics recommendations.
• Privacy & Security – Familiarity with data protection laws and human rights considerations.
• Bias Mitigation – Experience conducting fairness audits or ethical risk assessments.
• Technical Collaboration – Ability to translate ethical principles into actionable technical specs for developers.
• Advocacy Skills – Track record of influencing policy or corporate AI practices.
• Cultural Sensitivity – Understanding of AI’s socio-cultural impacts on marginalised groups.
• Experience working with African civil society or multilateral institutions.
• Fluency in either English/French/Arabic (multilingual candidates preferred).

Benefits

1. Stipend: $500/month
2. Duration: Three months
3. Mentorship – Guidance from TechLab and support from partner institutions at Digitalise Youth consortium.
4. Training: Access to relevant courses and training on information integrity and digital security.
5. Real world impact: Opportunity to share recommendations and engage in global discussions on AI ethics in Africa
6. Networking: Collaborate with the consortium and its regional networks.
7. Showcasing: Present capstone projects to local, national, continental, and global partners and at events.

Location and Commitment

• Location: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Guinea, Benin, Togo, Cameroon, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia.
• Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to African communities.