Deadline: 24th January 2025
The TechForward Policy Fellowship is a comprehensive three (3)-month hybrid Pan-African program organized by the Africa Center for Digital Transformation (ACDT). The fellowship is designed to build a cohort of skilled professionals equipped to drive Africa’s digital transformation through informed technology and digital policies.
By providing fellows with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to shape national and regional digital policies, this fellowship aims to foster the development of innovative, sustainable, and inclusive Digital roadmaps and strategies for Africa’s economic and Digital
Transformation growth.
The TechForward Policy Fellowship is designed for early and mid-career policy enthusiasts and professionals with at least two years of experience in digital technologies, public policy, or related fields. The Spring Cohort will have 15 fellows from across different African Countries.
Target participants include:
- Recent Graduates: Young Africans who have recently completed their undergraduate or
postgraduate studies in fields such as technology, public policy, economics, or social sciences. - Early-Career Professionals: Individuals with at least two years of professional experience in technology, policy analysis, advocacy, or related fields. This includes those working in NGOs, tech companies, or government agencies focused on technology and policy issues.
- Activists and Civil Society Members: Young activists and members of civil society
organizations who are engaged in technology-related advocacy or community development. - Entrepreneurs and Innovators: Young entrepreneurs involved in tech startups or innovations that address local challenges.
- Historically Marginalized Groups: historically marginalized communities, including women, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Benefits
- Skill Development: Participants gain valuable skills in research, policy analysis, public speaking and advocacy. The fellowship provides training and mentorship from experienced professionals, enhancing their ability to navigate the complexities of technology policy effectively.
- Networking Opportunities and an International Alumni community: Fellows have the
chance to connect with a diverse group of peers, mentors, and industry leaders. This networking can lead to collaborations and future career opportunities within the tech and policy sectors. Again, the fellows will be a part of an international alumni community to help with future endeavours in their policy journey. - Impactful Research Experience: Fellows work on projects that address critical policy issues affecting their communities. This hands-on experience allows successful participants to contribute to meaningful change while developing their research capabilities.
- Career Advancement: Participation in the fellowship can significantly enhance a fellow’s
resume, providing them with practical experience and exposure to high-level policy discussions. This can lead to better job prospects in both the public and private sectors in and outside of the African continent. - Community Empowerment: The fellowship encourages collaboration with local organizations, enabling fellows to develop solutions that directly address the challenges faced by underserved communities through relevant internships. This empowers them to make a tangible impact in their societies.
- Research Exchange Program with our Partnering Universities: At the end of the fellowship, the five top graduating fellows will embark on exchange programs in partner universities.
- Certificate of Participation: An official certificate of participation certificate will be awarded to all fellows and in addition, recommendation letters will be provided to fellows after their fellowship.
Eligibility
- Age Requirement: applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as technology, public policy,
economics, political science, or social sciences is required or relevant certification in IT
programmes. - Applicants must be citizens of an African country but could be residents on other continents.
- Applicants must have strong proficiency in English, both written and verbal.
- Candidates should have some experience or demonstrated interest in digital policies,
policymaking, digital transformation strategies, or related fields. Experience with research, advocacy, or practical engagement in technology or policy-related projects will be considered a plus. - Commitment to Fellowship Activities: Applicants must be willing to commit at least four
hours per week during the full duration of the fellowship, which include expert workshops, policy clinics, mentoring sessions and the capstone project implementation.
Application Process
- Complete the application form via this Link. NB: Only completed forms will be considered.
- In the form, upload the following documents in pdf
1. A personal statement outlining interest in digital policies and goals for the fellowship.
(200 words maximum). Optional: This could also be a 2 minute video of yourself.
2. A curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant academic and professional experiences (1 page maximum).
3. A one-page abstract detailing a project idea at the intersection of digital and policy
issues affecting an African country. The abstract should be under one of the main tracks
of the Fellowship (Legal and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. Cybersecurity and Data
Protection. Digital Public Infrastructure & ICT Infrastructure. Green and Digital-Twin
Transition).
For more information.
