Application Deadline: 30th March 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 Code for Africa (CfA) AI Ethics Fellowship. This prestigious opportunity is offered by Code for Africa (CfA) in partnership with the Digitalise Youth consortium. The program is designed to award two fellowships to mid-career professionals who have expertise in digital governance, policy-making, and digital rights, and who are passionate about advancing the ethical landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) across Africa.
The fellowship particularly targets experts residing in the Sahel region and neighboring countries in West and East Africa. Those selected will engage in in-depth research and formulate strategic policy recommendations that promote the responsible and ethical implementation of AI technologies within governance frameworks and civic technology initiatives—always prioritizing the protection of individual rights and societal well-being.
Fellows will undertake comprehensive analyses of regional legal instruments, such as the African Union (AU) Cyber Security Convention and data protection laws enacted by ECOWAS, alongside global standards including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) AI Principles. Their work will focus on crafting effective approaches to reduce algorithmic bias and develop inclusive AI policies that ensure equitable benefits for diverse communities.
Key outputs from the fellowship will include policy documents for AI use in workplaces, culturally sensitive impact assessments, detailed regulatory reports, and ethical risk evaluations. As such, applicants should possess a strong background in drafting or reviewing policies and regulations, with particular familiarity in privacy laws and digital legal frameworks. Experience related to AI ethics, technology ethics, or the societal implications of technology—especially for vulnerable or marginalized populations—will be highly valued.
The fellowship program offers the successful candidates access to a robust support ecosystem. This includes mentorship and technical resources from CfA’s specialized TechLab, DataLab, and AI Sandbox, as well as guidance from policy experts within the Digitalise Youth consortium and connections to international ethical AI networks. Partner organizations encompass digital rights advocacy groups, research think tanks, and specialists in democratic governance. These collaborations will provide fellows with strategic tools to refine their policy frameworks, ranging from technical troubleshooting to platforms for policy advocacy.
Eligibility Criteria
- Governance Expertise: Proven experience in policy formulation, regulatory adherence, or digital rights concerning technology, data governance, or innovation sectors.
- Policy Drafting Skills: Competence in developing regulatory guidelines, legal briefs, or advisory reports.
- Knowledge of Global Frameworks: Familiarity with international standards such as GDPR, OECD AI Principles, or UNESCO’s AI ethics guidelines.
- Privacy and Security Awareness: Understanding of data protection legislation and human rights implications in technological contexts.
- Bias Mitigation Experience: Involvement in fairness audits or ethical risk assessments aimed at identifying and addressing AI biases.
- Technical Collaboration: Ability to communicate ethical principles clearly to technical teams, translating them into actionable specifications for developers.
- Advocacy Capacity: A history of influencing policy reforms or AI-related corporate practices through advocacy or consultation.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Insight into the socio-cultural effects of AI, especially regarding marginalized or vulnerable populations.
- Regional Engagement: Experience working with African civil society organizations or multilateral institutions.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English, French, or Arabic. Multilingual candidates are preferred.
Fellowship Benefits
- Monthly Stipend: $500 for the duration of the fellowship.
- Duration: Three months.
- Mentorship: Ongoing support and expert guidance from CfA’s TechLab, along with assistance from partner organizations within the Digitalise Youth consortium.
- Training Opportunities: Access to specialized courses and training programs covering topics such as information integrity and digital security.
- Impactful Work: Fellows will have the chance to disseminate their policy recommendations and participate in global conversations around AI ethics in the African context.
- Networking: Engage and collaborate with a wide network of consortium members and regional stakeholders.
- Showcase: Present final projects and findings at events and forums ranging from local and national levels to continental and international platforms.
Fellowship Location: This fellowship is open to applicants located in the following countries: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Guinea, Benin, Togo, Cameroon, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing technological governance and ethical AI adoption within African communities.
For additional details and to submit your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Code for Africa (CfA) AI Ethics Fellowship.
