2026 FUNGAI Africa DPI Governance Fellowship: Full Guide for Applicants
Digital systems now shape how governments serve people across Africa. From national ID programs to online service portals, these tools affect access to healthcare, finance, and public services. Many of these systems fall under Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). While DPI improves efficiency, it also raises serious concerns around privacy, exclusion, and accountability.
The 2026 FUNGAI Africa DPI Governance Fellowship responds to this challenge. It trains early-career researchers and policy thinkers to study these systems through a human rights and social justice lens. If you care about technology, governance, and inclusion in Africa, this fellowship offers a direct path to build skills and influence policy.
This guide explains everything you need to know, including eligibility, structure, benefits, and how to apply before the April 5, 2026 deadline.
Table of Contents
- What is the FUNGAI Africa DPI Fellowship
- Why Digital Public Infrastructure Matters
- Fellowship Objectives
- Who Should Apply
- Fellowship Structure and Benefits
- Programme Curriculum Breakdown
- Expected Outputs
- Focus Countries
- Skills You Will Gain
- How to Apply Successfully
- Application Deadline and Key Details
- Final Thoughts
What is the FUNGAI Africa DPI Fellowship
The FUNGAI Africa DPI Governance Fellowship is a three-month remote programme designed for early-career African researchers and digital rights advocates.
The fellowship focuses on:
- Evaluating digital systems used by governments
- Understanding their social impact
- Promoting fair and inclusive governance
Participants work part-time while conducting structured research on DPI systems in selected African countries.
Why Digital Public Infrastructure Matters
Digital Public Infrastructure includes:
- Digital identity systems
- Data-sharing platforms
- Government service portals
These systems influence daily life. For example:
- A digital ID system affects access to banking and healthcare
- A data platform shapes how governments make decisions
- Service portals determine how citizens interact with public institutions
Key Risks of Poor DPI Governance
- Exclusion of rural or low-income populations
- Privacy violations and data misuse
- Lack of transparency in decision-making
- Weak accountability mechanisms
Opportunities When Done Right
- Faster access to services
- Improved transparency
- Better policy decisions
- Increased civic participation
This fellowship trains you to assess both sides using evidence-based research.
Fellowship Objectives
By the end of the programme, you will be able to:
- Analyze DPI governance using rights-based frameworks
- Assess the impact of digital systems on marginalized groups
- Apply digital security practices in sensitive research
- Translate research into policy and advocacy outputs
- Join a network of African digital policy professionals
Who Should Apply
This fellowship targets individuals who want to shape Africa’s digital future.
Ideal Candidates
- Early-career researchers
- Digital rights advocates
- Policy analysts
- Civic tech professionals
- Anyone interested in technology and governance in Africa
You Are a Strong Fit If You:
- Care about justice and inclusion
- Have basic research or writing skills
- Want to influence policy through evidence
- Are available for 15 to 20 hours per week
Fellowship Structure and Benefits
Programme Details
- Duration: June to August 2026
- Format: Remote
- Commitment: Part-time
- Stipend: $300 per month, total $900
What You Gain
- Hands-on experience in policy research
- Exposure to real governance challenges
- Mentorship and peer learning
- Access to a pan-African professional network
Programme Curriculum Breakdown
The fellowship runs across three structured phases.
Month 1: Foundations and Frameworks
You start with core concepts and research planning.
Key Topics
- Understanding Digital Public Infrastructure
- Governance principles such as:
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Legality
- Research methods:
- Interviews
- Document analysis
- Ethics and digital security
Output
- Country research protocol
- Stakeholder mapping
Month 2: Field Research and Documentation
This phase focuses on gathering real data.
Key Activities
- Conduct interviews with stakeholders
- Review policies and legal frameworks
- Organize and manage research data
Skills Developed
- Handling sensitive conversations
- Data transcription and coding
- Secure data storage
Output
- Field notes
- Interview transcripts
- Initial findings
Month 3: Analysis and Translation
You turn research into actionable insights.
Key Focus Areas
- Structuring research findings
- Writing for policy and advocacy
- Cross-country comparison
Output
- Final case study
- Policy briefs
- Public-facing content
Expected Outputs
Your work contributes to major research and advocacy materials.
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Deliverables Include
- DPI Research Report
- Advocacy Toolkit
- Country Policy Briefs
- Press summaries
- Opinion articles
These outputs help influence policymakers, civil society, and the public.
Focus Countries
Research will focus on:
- Zimbabwe
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
You may work on one country or contribute to cross-country analysis.
Skills You Will Gain
This fellowship builds practical, career-relevant skills.
Research Skills
- Qualitative data collection
- Policy analysis
- Comparative research
Technical Skills
- Digital security practices
- Data organization and coding
Communication Skills
- Policy writing
- Public advocacy
- Translating complex ideas into simple language
How to Apply Successfully
Strong applications focus on clarity and relevance.
Step-by-Step Approach
1. Show Your Interest in DPI
Explain why digital governance in Africa matters to you.
2. Highlight Relevant Experience
Focus on:
- Research work
- Writing samples
- Advocacy or community engagement
3. Demonstrate Commitment
Show that you can:
- Dedicate 15 to 20 hours weekly
- Meet deadlines
- Work remotely
4. Align with Fellowship Goals
Connect your interests to:
- Justice
- Inclusion
- Accountability
Application Deadline and Key Details
- Deadline: April 5, 2026
- Duration: 3 months
- Stipend: $900 total
- Format: Remote
Apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues.
Final Thoughts
The FUNGAI Africa DPI Governance Fellowship offers more than training. It gives you a chance to influence how technology shapes governance across Africa.
If you want to work at the intersection of policy, technology, and human rights, this programme fits your goals.
Take action now. Prepare your application, highlight your strengths, and submit before the deadline.
APPLY HERE
Ready to apply?
Visit the official fellowship page and submit your application before April 5, 2026. Start building a career in digital policy and governance in Africa.
Digital Governance Fellowships in Africa: Opportunities for Early-Career Researchers
Explore how the 2026 FUNGAI Africa DPI Fellowship equips African researchers with skills to analyze digital governance systems and influence policy through a human rights lens.
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