Are you ready to shape the future of responsible Artificial Intelligence in Africa? The Code for Africa AI Ethics Fellowship 2026 offers mid-career professionals a unique platform to develop policy recommendations and ethical frameworks that safeguard individuals in the digital age.
Quick Facts
- Host Organization: Code for Africa (CfA)
- Study Level / Job Type: Fellowship (Mid-career professionals)
- Funding Type: Paid ($500 monthly stipend)
- Eligible Countries: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Guinea, Benin, Togo, Cameroon, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
- Deadline: March 30, 2026
About the Opportunity
The Code for Africa AI Ethics Fellowship, part of the Digitalise Youth consortium, is designed for experts in digital governance, policy, and human rights. This three-month program empowers fellows to research and draft policy recommendations for the ethical adoption of AI tools across governance and civic technology sectors.
Selected fellows will work closely with Code for Africa’s specialized labs – including the TechLab and AI Sandbox – to analyze regional regulations like the AU Cyber Security Convention and global standards such as the OECD AI Principles. The goal is to create actionable strategies that mitigate bias and ensure AI development remains inclusive and culturally sensitive to African contexts.
This opportunity is officially offered by Code for Africa (CfA), and applicants should apply through the official application portal.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Code for Africa AI Ethics Fellowship, you should meet the following requirements:
- Professional Experience: Background in policy development, regulatory compliance, or digital rights.
- Skills: Proven ability in policy drafting, legal briefs, or advisory reports.
- Knowledge: Familiarity with GDPR, OECD AI Principles, or UNESCO AI ethics recommendations.
- Location: Must be based in the Sahel or neighboring countries (see list in Quick Facts).
- Languages: Fluency in English, French, or Arabic (multilingual candidates are preferred).
- Technical Savvy: Ability to translate ethical principles into technical specifications for developers.
Benefits
Participants in the fellowship will receive:
- Monthly Stipend: A fixed payment of $500 per month for the duration of the program.
- Mentorship: Expert guidance from CfA’s TechLab and global ethical AI networks.
- Training: Exclusive access to courses on information integrity and digital security.
- Networking: Collaboration opportunities with regional and international digital rights organizations.
- Global Exposure: A platform to present capstone projects to continental and global partners.
Also Check: Youth Empowerment Fund 2026 – Get €500 to €5,000 for Your Project
Who Should Apply
This fellowship is ideal for mid-career policy experts, digital rights activists, and legal professionals who are passionate about technology’s societal impact. If you have experience working with vulnerable populations or multilateral institutions in Africa, the Code for Africa AI Ethics Fellowship will provide the resources you need to influence continental AI policy.
Application Process
- Review the Call: Ensure your professional background aligns with the ethics and governance focus.
- Access the Form: Visit the official application link provided below.
- Submit Documents: Complete the application form by demonstrating your commitment to African communities before March 30.
- Cohort Selection: Successful candidates will join a transformative cohort addressing the Sahel’s digital challenges.
How to Apply
If you are a policy architect or a tech ethicist looking to make a real-world impact, don’t wait until the deadline. Early applications are encouraged to join this prestigious cohort of African innovators.
For more details, visit the Code for Africa AI Ethics Fellowship.
