Code for Africa (CfA) AI Ethics Fellowship 2025

Code for Africa (CfA), through the Digitalise Youth consortium, is offering two fellowships to mid-career professionals with experience in digital governance, policy and rights who want to make an impact in Africa’s AI landscape.

Under this fellowship, chosen candidates will develop research and policy recommendations for the ethical adoption of AI tools in governance and civic technology sectors, keeping the safeguarding of individuals at the centre of the work. Candidates will do this by analysing regional regulations (e.g., AU Cyber Security Convention, ECOWAS data laws) and global standards (GDPR, OECD AI Principles) while designing strategies to mitigate bias and advocate for inclusive AI policies.

Selected fellows will receive support from CfA’s TechLab, DataLab, and AI Sandbox, alongside the Digitalise Youth consortium’s policy advisors and global ethical AI networks. Partners include digital rights organisations, think tanks, and democratic governance experts. Fellows will gain strategic resources to refine their frameworks, from technical guidance to policy advocacy platforms.

• Table of Content
• About Code for Africa (CfA)
• CfA AI Ethics Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of CfA AI Ethics Fellowship
• Requirements for CfA AI Ethics Fellowship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Code for Africa (CfA)

Code for Africa (CfA) is the continent’s largest network of civic technology and data journalism labs, with teams in 21 countries. CfA builds digital democracy solutions that give citizens unfettered access to actionable information that empowers them to make informed decisions, and that strengthens civic engagement for improved public governance and accountability. This includes building infrastructure like the continent’s largest open data portals at openAFRICA and sourceAFRICA, as well as incubating initiatives as diverse as the africanDRONE network... continue reading

CfA AI Ethics Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of CfA AI Ethics Fellowship

1. Stipend: $500/month 
2. Mentorship – Guidance from CfA’s TechLab and support from partner institutions at Digitalise Youth consortium. 
3. Training: Access to relevant courses and training on information integrity and digital security. 
4. Real world impact: Opportunity to share recommendations and engage in global discussions on AI ethics in Africa
5. Networking: Collaborate with the consortium and its regional networks.
6. Showcasing: Present capstone projects to local, national, continental, and global partners and at events.

Requirements for CfA AI Ethics Fellowship Qualification

They seek policy experts and ethicists with:

• Governance Expertise – Background in policy development, regulatory compliance, or digital rights related to technology, data or innovation.
• Policy Drafting – Skill in creating guidelines, legal briefs, or advisory reports.
• Global Frameworks – Knowledge of GDPR, OECD AI Principles, or UNESCO’s AI ethics recommendations.
• Privacy & Security – Familiarity with data protection laws and human rights considerations.
• Bias Mitigation – Experience conducting fairness audits or ethical risk assessments.
• Technical Collaboration – Ability to translate ethical principles into actionable technical specs for developers.
• Advocacy Skills – Track record of influencing policy or corporate AI practices.
• Cultural Sensitivity – Understanding of AI’s socio-cultural impacts on marginalised groups.
• Experience working with African civil society or multilateral institutions.
• Fluency in either English/French/Arabic (multilingual candidates preferred).
• Location: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Guinea, Benin, Togo, Cameroon, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia.
• Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to African communities.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit CfA Fellowship webpage