The FUNGAI Africa Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Governance in Africa Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to explore the intersection of technology, governance, and justice in Africa, with a deadline of April 05, 2026. This fellowship is designed to bring together a new generation of African researchers to audit DPI through a human rights and democratic lens, providing a stipend of $300 per month. As a fellow, you will have the chance to analyze DPI governance, investigate its impact on marginalized communities, and apply digital security best practices in sensitive research environments.
About the Opportunity
FUNGAI Africa is a leading organization dedicated to promoting digital rights and governance in Africa, recognizing the critical role that digital public infrastructure plays in shaping state-citizen relations. The organization’s mission is to advance justice and equality in the digital sphere, and the DPI Governance in Africa Fellowship is a key component of this effort. By supporting early-career researchers and advocates, FUNGAI Africa aims to build a network of experts who can provide critical insights and perspectives on the development and implementation of DPI in Africa, with a focus on promoting human rights and democratic values.
The FUNGAI Africa DPI Governance in Africa Fellowship 2026 is a response to the growing need for critical analysis and research on the impact of DPI on African societies, particularly in terms of its potential to deepen inequality or advance justice. The fellowship is designed to provide a platform for early-career researchers to engage with these issues, develop their skills and expertise, and contribute to the development of more equitable and just digital public infrastructure in Africa. Through this fellowship, FUNGAI Africa seeks to promote a better understanding of the complex relationships between technology, governance, and society, and to support the development of more effective and inclusive digital public infrastructure in Africa.
The importance of this fellowship cannot be overstated, as it addresses a critical gap in the current landscape of digital governance in Africa. By supporting research and analysis on the impact of DPI on marginalized communities, including women, refugees, rural populations, and persons with disabilities, the fellowship aims to promote a more nuanced understanding of the ways in which digital public infrastructure can be designed and implemented to promote greater equality and justice. This, in turn, can help to inform the development of more effective policies and practices for digital governance in Africa, and to support the realization of the continent’s full potential for digital transformation and development.
Who Can Apply
The FUNGAI Africa DPI Governance in Africa Fellowship 2026 is open to early-career researchers, digital rights advocates, and policy thinkers who are passionate about technology, governance, and justice in Africa, and who are committed to promoting human rights and democratic values in the digital sphere.
- Early-career researchers: applicants should have a strong academic background in a relevant field, such as law, politics, sociology, or computer science, and should be in the early stages of their research career.
- Digital rights advocates: applicants should have experience working on digital rights issues in Africa, and should be committed to promoting human rights and democratic values in the digital sphere.
- Policy thinkers: applicants should have experience working on policy issues related to digital governance in Africa, and should be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the complex relationships between technology, governance, and society.
- Anyone passionate about technology, governance, and justice in Africa: the fellowship is also open to anyone who is passionate about these issues, and who is committed to promoting greater equality and justice in the digital sphere.
What You Will Gain
As a fellow, you will have the opportunity to gain a range of skills and experiences, including the ability to analyze DPI governance using rights-based and social justice frameworks, investigate the impact of DPI on marginalized communities, and apply digital security best practices in sensitive research environments.
- Analyze DPI governance: you will learn how to analyze DPI governance using rights-based and social justice frameworks, and how to develop critical perspectives on the impact of DPI on African societies.
- Investigate the impact of DPI on marginalized communities: you will have the opportunity to investigate the impact of DPI on marginalized communities, including women, refugees, rural populations, and persons with disabilities, and to develop a deeper understanding of the ways in which digital public infrastructure can be designed and implemented to promote greater equality and justice.
- Apply digital security best practices: you will learn how to apply digital security best practices in sensitive research environments, and how to develop and implement effective strategies for protecting human rights and democratic values in the digital sphere.
- Translate complex findings into policy, advocacy, and public-facing outputs: you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in translating complex research findings into policy, advocacy, and public-facing outputs, and to learn how to communicate complex ideas and issues to a range of audiences.
- Join a growing network of African digital rights and policy practitioners: as a fellow, you will become part of a growing network of African digital rights and policy practitioners, and will have the opportunity to connect with and learn from other experts in the field.
Application Deadline
Do not miss this opportunity. Deadline: April 05, 2026. Start your application early, and make sure to submit all required documents and information before the deadline.
How to Apply for FUNGAI Africa Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Governance in Africa Fellowship 2026 for early-career researchers ($300/month stipend)
To apply for the FUNGAI Africa DPI Governance in Africa Fellowship 2026, you will need to follow these steps: first, review the eligibility criteria and ensure that you meet the requirements; second, prepare your application materials, including a CV, a cover letter, and any other required documents; third, submit your application through the online portal, making sure to include all required information and documents. Finally, wait for the selection committee to review your application and notify you of the outcome.
Apply directly here: Click here to apply
Final Thoughts
The FUNGAI Africa DPI Governance in Africa Fellowship 2026 is a unique opportunity for early-career researchers and advocates to engage with critical issues in digital governance in Africa, and to develop their skills and expertise in this area. If you are passionate about technology, governance, and justice in Africa, and are committed to promoting human rights and democratic values in the digital sphere, then this fellowship is for you. Do not miss this chance to apply – submit your application today and take the first step towards a career in digital governance and human rights in Africa.
