FELLOWSHIPS

Applications are now open for the Fully Virtual AI Ethics & Governance Fellowship for African leaders

Ednah Carrick March 27, 2026

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Closing Date: 10 April 2026

Applications are now open for the Fully Virtual AI Ethics & Governance Fellowship for African leaders

A Pan-African fellowship equipping leaders to design responsible, rights-based AI governance frameworks.

About Fellowship

Applications are now open for the AI Ethics & Governance Fellowship, an initiative of the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) in collaboration with Africa Hub for Innovation & Development (AHFID), supported by Luminate, designed to equip African leaders with the tools, networks, and practical skills to shape responsible and rights-based AI systems across the continent. 🌍

This 3-month Fully virtual fellowship brings together policymakers, technologists, researchers, and practitioners to explore how AI governance can be designed for African contexts. Participants will gain hands-on experience building policy tools, engaging in mentorship, and delivering a capstone project with real-world impact. If you are working at the intersection of AI, digital policy, governance, or emerging technologies and want to influence how AI is developed and used in Africa, this is for you.

Overview

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies, governance, and social systems across Africa. Yet the frameworks that will determine how AI is deployed, regulated, and held accountable are still being written. Through a rigorous 12-week learning experience combining technical literacy, governance expertise, and practical policy development.

Delivered by the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) in partnership with Africa Hub For Innovation & Development (AHFID) through the support of Luminate. The AI Ethics & Governance Fellowship program brings together policy professionals, regulators, researchers, and civil society leaders who are already influencing how technology affects society.

Equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to design responsible, inclusive and rights-based AI governance systems for African contexts. Rather than importing governance models developed elsewhere, the fellowship centres African ethical traditions, local institutional realities, and community perspectives, including principles such as Ubuntu and collective responsibility in technology governance.

This fellowship is designed to move fellows from foundational understanding to producing real governance artifacts like policy frameworks, AI audit protocols, sector-specific safeguards, and accountability mechanisms. It is the foundation of a Pan-African network of leaders shaping the future of responsible AI.

Key Outcomes

* Learn how to design AI governance frameworks that work in African contexts
* Build policy tools, audits, and accountability systems
* Gain access to a pan-African network of leaders shaping AI policy

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Criteria

Nigerian citizen or African, residing on the continent
Willingness to commit to 6-8 hours weekly for 3 months
Reliable internet connectivity and access to a laptop or equivalent device
Women and youths are strongly advised to apply
Availability to participate in a fully virtual program
Demonstrated interest or experience in AI, digital policy, ethics, governance, or technology regulation
Ability to engage in peer learning, mentorship sessions, and collaborative project work
Basic digital literacy (document handling, virtual collaboration tools)
Current role in policy influencing or implementation is an advantage
Proficiency in English (program delivery language)

Application Process

* Applicants will be required to submit an online application form, including a short statement of interest and professional background.
* Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or additional screening.
* Final selection will prioritize sectoral, geographic, and gender balance.

Program Benefits

* Advanced training in AI ethics, policy, and governance
* Mentorship from African and global experts
* Hands‑on capstone project with real policy impact
* Certificate of completion issued by the program partners
* Access to a pan‑African alumni and professional network

Who is this Fellowship For?

* Professionals in civil society, development organizations, and public systems
* Technology practitioners, product leads, and founders deploying AI-enabled solutions
* Policy and governance professionals working on digital transformation, data, or emerging technologies
* Researchers and professionals contributing to AI, ethics, and societal impact

While applications are open to individuals across sectors, the program prioritizes candidates with demonstrated experience and the potential to influence real-world systems and decisions. This fellowship equips African policy and governance professionals with the practical tools, ethical frameworks, and peer networks needed to design, influence, and implement responsible AI policies that work in real-world African contexts.