Applications are now open for the Virtual TechForward Policy Fellowship 2026 Cohort for emerging professionals from the Global South

Ednah Carrick January 14, 2026

0 746 3 minutes read

Closing Date: 30 January 2026

Applications are now open for the Virtual TechForward Policy Fellowship 2026 Cohort for emerging professionals from the Global South

Africa Center for Digital Transformation (ACDT) invites policymakers, researchers, technologists, entrepreneurs, civil society leaders, and emerging professionals from the Global South to apply for the fellowship.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Tech Policy Leaders

The TechForward Policy Fellowship 2026 Cohort is an elite, high-impact program designed to develop and empower the next generation of technology policy leaders from the global south. The Fellowship offers early- to mid-career professionals, researchers, and innovators a comprehensive platform to deepen their expertise, shape digital governance frameworks, and influence technology policy at continental and global levels.

As digital transformation accelerates across sectors from financial services and e-commerce to data governance and artificial intelligence, the need for informed policymakers and advocates has never been greater. The TechForward Policy Fellowship equips fellows with the technical, analytical, and strategic skills required to navigate complex digital policy challenges.

What Is the ACDT TechForward Policy Fellowship?

The TechForward Policy Fellowship is a flagship initiative of the Africa Center for Digital Transformation (ACDT)—a premier knowledge and leadership hub focused on advancing data-driven economies, inclusive digital ecosystems, and evidence-informed tech policy across Africa.

The 2026 Cohort will bring together diverse talent to engage in rigorous learning, policy analysis, mentorship, and practical project work. Fellows are positioned to influence digital policy dialogues, advise decision-makers, and contribute to initiatives that shape Africa’s digital future.

Objectives of the 2026 TechForward Policy Fellowship

The Fellowship aims to:

📌 Strengthen Digital Governance Leadership

Prepare leaders capable of understanding, assessing, and shaping digital policy frameworks that address issues such as data protection, digital inclusion, AI ethics, cybersecurity, and platform governance.

🔍 Enhance Policy Research & Analysis

Enable fellows to conduct evidence-based research that informs legislative strategies, regulatory approaches, and best practices within digital transformation ecosystems.

🤝 Build Strategic Networks

Connect fellows with policymakers, industry experts, civil society advocates, and technologists to foster collaborative solutions to Africa’s digital challenges.

💡 Support Real-World Impact

Encourage Fellows to design and implement actionable policy recommendations, white papers, and public dialogues that influence national and regional tech governance.

Who Should Apply?

The TechForward Policy Fellowship is ideal for:

Early- to mid-career professionals in public policy, technology, law, governance, and development
Researchers and academics specializing in digital transformation, ICT policy, data protection, AI, and cybersecurity
Civil society advocates working on digital rights, digital inclusion, and ethical tech
Government officials and advisors involved in tech regulation and digital economy planning
Tech sector leaders with interests in public policy and regulatory frameworks

Key Features of the Fellowship

📘 Structured Policy Curriculum

Fellows engage in a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as:

Digital governance and regulation
Data protection, privacy, and sovereign data policy
Artificial intelligence policy and ethics
Digital inclusion and equitable access
Cybersecurity frameworks
Tech ecosystem development and innovation policy

Modules combine expert lectures, case studies, interactive workshops, and peer learning.

🧠 Mentorship & Leadership Coaching

Each fellow is paired with experienced mentors, including policymakers, researchers, and digital strategy leaders who provide tailored guidance, project support, and professional coaching.

📊 Applied Policy Projects

Fellows undertake real policy research or advisory projects designed to produce tangible outputs such as:

Policy briefs
Technical recommendations
Regulatory frameworks
Public position papers
Stakeholder engagement roadmaps

🤝 Networking & Collaborative Platforms

Fellows participate in roundtables, summits, and collaborative labs that bring together actors from government, industry, civil society, and academia. This network amplifies visibility and influence, and strengthens partnerships for future engagement.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

To stand out in the selection process, applicants should:

Demonstrate clear motivation for advancing digital policy and governance in Africa
Showcase relevant experience in research, digital strategy, advocacy, or tech policy implementation
Provide examples of policy outputs (e.g., briefs, reports, presentations, or stakeholder engagement)
Outline a policy challenge or project idea that aligns with digital transformation goals
Explain potential impact of the fellowship on your professional trajectory and contribution to the ecosystem

The ACDT TechForward Policy Fellowship 2026 Cohort empowers a cadre of leaders who are capable of:

Influencing digital policy debates
Designing regulatory strategies that uphold ethical standards
Advancing inclusive digital economies
Bridging gaps between innovation and governance

By investing in human capital and leadership, the Fellowship contributes to a digital transformation that is people-centered, equitable, and resilient.

The Africa Center for Digital Transformation’s TechForward Policy Fellowship 2026 Cohort is a powerful opportunity for emerging policy professionals to elevate their expertise, expand their impact, and contribute to shaping the digital policy landscape. It combines rigorous learning, mentorship, practical project work, and strategic networking — all designed to accelerate thought leadership, policy influence, and real-world change.