Call for Applications: Apply for the TechForward Policy Fellowship

Application Deadline: 24 January 2025
Call for Applications: Apply for the TechForward Policy Fellowship
Overview
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.
Target Audience and Scope
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.
Eligibility Criteria:
- 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 Materials:
- Complete the application form via this Link. In the form, upload the following documents in pdf
- 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.
- A curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant academic and professional experiences (1 page maximum).
- 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).
Timeline of the Fellowship:
- January – Call for application
- February – Reviews of application documents, shortlists for interviews.
- Third Week of February – Decision via email to applicants.
- First Week of March – Virtual Kick-off
- March-May – Remote running of Program.
- August or September – One week fully funded In-person Conference.
Fellowship (3-month) Curriculum
Each fellow has the option of choosing one of the four policy areas to focus on during the fellowship period.
- A. Legal and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.
- B. Cybersecurity and Data Protection.
- C. Digital Public Infrastructure & ICT Infrastructure.
- D. Green and Digital-Twin Transition.
For more information visit here
VISIT THE PAGE HERE AND APPLY
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