The Code for Africa (CfA) AI Ethics Fellowship 2026 is a transformative program for mid-career professionals aiming to shape responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) practices across Africa. Hosted under the Digitalise Youth consortium, this fellowship targets experts in digital governance, policy, and rights who want to address ethical, social, and regulatory challenges of AI in African contexts.
The fellowship seeks candidates from the Sahel region and neighbouring West and East African countries, including Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Guinea, Benin, Togo, Cameroon, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
About the Fellowship
The AI Ethics Fellowship offers two positions for professionals who will develop research, policy recommendations, and ethical frameworks for AI adoption in governance and civic technology sectors. Fellows will focus on:
- Assessing regional AI regulations such as the AU Cybersecurity Convention and ECOWAS data laws.
- Aligning strategies with global standards like GDPR and OECD AI Principles.
- Designing approaches to mitigate bias, promote inclusion, and safeguard human rights in AI implementations.
Key deliverables include AI workplace policies, culturally-informed impact assessments, regulatory reports, and ethical risk evaluations. Applicants with experience in AI ethics, technology ethics, or understanding the societal impact of AI, particularly on vulnerable populations, will have a competitive edge.
Also Apply For: AYuTe Africa Challenge Nigeria 2026 ($40,000 funding)
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- Stipend: $500 per month
- Duration: Three months
- Mentorship: Guidance from CfA’s TechLab, DataLab, and AI Sandbox, as well as partner policy advisors
- Training: Access to courses on information integrity, digital security, and AI governance
- Networking: Collaboration opportunities with civil society, regional governments, and global ethical AI networks
- Impact: Present capstone projects to local, national, and international partners, contributing to policy and governance discussions
Who Should Apply?
Ideal candidates are professionals with expertise in:
- Governance and Policy: Background in policy development, regulatory compliance, or digital rights
- Policy Drafting: Ability to produce guidelines, legal briefs, or advisory reports
- Global AI Frameworks: Knowledge of GDPR, OECD AI Principles, or UNESCO AI ethics recommendations
- Privacy & Security: Understanding of data protection laws and human rights
- Bias Mitigation: Conducting fairness audits or ethical risk assessments
- Technical Collaboration: Translating ethical principles into actionable technical specifications
- Advocacy Skills: Experience influencing policy or corporate AI practices
- Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness of AI’s socio-cultural impacts on marginalized groups
Multilingual applicants (English, French, Arabic) and professionals with experience in African civil society or multilateral institutions are particularly encouraged to apply.
About the Digitalise Youth Project
The fellowship is part of the Digitalise Youth Project, a component of the Digital Democracy Initiative. The project focuses on:
- Enhancing digital skills for youth activists
- Promoting civic technology solutions
- Raising awareness about political engagement online
- Protecting human rights defenders from digital threats
- Combating disinformation and shrinking civic space in the Sahel and neighboring regions
The project also advocates for the ratification of the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection.
Key Partners
The program is supported by a diverse set of organizations:
- Code for Africa (CfA): Provides access to data teams, open-source platforms, fact-checking networks, and civic technology communities across Africa
- AfricTivistes: Drives grassroots digital activism, funding youth developers to monitor governance and combat disinformation
- European Partnership for Democracy (EPD): Leads policy advocacy and engagement with AU/ECOWAS institutions
- Canal France International (CFI): Strengthens media integrity and trains journalists on ethical digital reporting
- World Scout Bureau Africa (WOSM): Builds youth leadership and digital literacy in underserved communities
- Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF): Mentors fellows on AI governance and human rights advocacy aligned with AU standards
Application Process
Candidates must submit their applications by 30 March 2026. Steps include:
- Eligibility Check: Mid-career professionals with relevant policy, digital rights, or AI ethics experience
- Complete Application Form: Accessible online via the CfA portal
- Submit Required Documents: Include CV, project proposals, and evidence of professional expertise
- Confirmation: Successful submissions will receive an email confirmation
Selected fellows will join a three-month program to develop actionable AI ethics frameworks that influence policy and practice across Africa.
Why Apply?
The Code for Africa AI Ethics Fellowship 2026 provides a unique platform to shape AI governance in Africa while gaining:
- Strategic mentorship from leading AI and digital rights experts
- Hands-on experience in ethical policy development
- Exposure to global standards and multi-national collaboration
- Opportunities to contribute to inclusive AI solutions that protect vulnerable populations
This fellowship is ideal for professionals ready to champion responsible AI, address digital inequalities, and impact Africa’s technological landscape.
For more information, visit the Code for Africa AI Ethics Fellowship.
