At FUNGAI Africa, we believe that how we govern technology reveals who we are as societies. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which includes identity systems, data platforms, and service portals reshaping state-citizen relations, is not neutral. It either deepens inequality or advances justice. This fellowship brings together a new generation of African researchers to audit DPI through a human rights and democratic lens.
Fellowship objectives
By the end of the programme, fellows will be able to:
- Analyze DPI governance using rights-based and social justice frameworks
- Investigate how DPI affects marginalised communities (women, refugees, rural populations, persons with disabilities)
- Apply digital security best practices in sensitive research environments
- Translate complex findings into policy, advocacy, and public-facing outputs
- Join a growing network of African digital rights and policy practitioners
Fellowship Structure
- Fellows:Â 3 early-career researchers
- Duration: June – August 2026 (3 months)
- Format: Remote | Part-time (15–20 hrs/week)
- Stipend:Â $300/month ($900 total)
- Engagement:Â Bi-weekly virtual seminars
- Focus Countries:Â Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda, Tanzania
Programme Curriculum (3 Months)
1. Month 1: Foundations & Frameworks
- Understanding DPI and its role in democracy and AI systems
- Rights-based frameworks: legality, transparency, accountability
- Research methods: interviews, document analysis, ethics, digital security
- Comparative research design
Output:Â Country research protocols + stakeholder maps
2. Month 2: Field Research & Documentation
- Conducting interviews and managing sensitive conversations
- Analysing policies, contracts, and legislation
- Data management: transcription, coding, secure storage
- Mid-point peer review and reflection
Output:Â Field notes, transcripts, preliminary findings
3. Month 3: Analysis & Translation
- Turning data into structured analysis
- Writing for advocacy: policy briefs, toolkits, public outputs
- Peer review and refinement
- Cross-country comparison and synthesis
Output:Â Final case study + policy outputs
Fellow Outputs
Fellows will contribute to:
- A DPI Research Report (country case studies + synthesis)
- A DPI Advocacy Toolkit
- Country Policy Briefs
- Press summaries & public messaging outputs
- Published opinion pieces
Eligibility
We are looking for:
- Early-career researchers
- Digital rights advocates
- Policy thinkers
- Anyone passionate about technology, governance, and justice in AfricaApplications are now open for the DPI Governance in Africa Fellowship!
For more information and application