The DPI Governance Fellowship 2026 in Africa is a remote, part-time program that brings together early-career researchers to audit Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) through a human rights and democratic lens. This fellowship focuses on analyzing identity systems, data platforms, and service portals to ensure they advance justice, inclusion, and accountability across the continent.
Fungai Africa hosts this fellowship to build capacity among African researchers passionate about technology, governance, and justice. The program provides a $300 monthly stipend, bi-weekly virtual seminars, mentorship, and opportunities to publish research and advocacy outputs.
DPI Governance Fellowship Benefits
- $300/month stipend ($900 total)
- Bi-weekly virtual seminars
- Mentorship
- Publication opportunities
- Join a network of digital rights and policy practitioners
DPI Governance Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Early-career researchers
- Digital rights advocates
- Policy thinkers
- Passionate about technology, governance, and justice in Africa
- Must reside in Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda, or Tanzania
Fellowship objectives
By the end of the programme, fellows will be able to:
- Analyze DPI governance using rights-based and social justice frameworks
- Investigate how DPI affects marginalised communities (women, refugees, rural populations, persons with disabilities)
- Apply digital security best practices in sensitive research environments
- Translate complex findings into policy, advocacy, and public-facing outputs
- Join a growing network of African digital rights and policy practitioners
Program Components
- Month 1: Foundations & Frameworks – Understanding DPI, rights-based frameworks, research methods, and comparative research design. Output: research protocols and stakeholder maps.
- Month 2: Field Research & Documentation – Conducting interviews, analyzing policies, and managing data securely. Output: field notes, transcripts, and preliminary findings.
- Month 3: Analysis & Translation – Structured data analysis, writing policy briefs, peer review, and cross-country synthesis. Output: final case study and policy outputs.
Fellows will contribute to a DPI research report, advocacy toolkit, country policy briefs, press summaries, and published opinion pieces.
How to Apply?
- Prepare your application materials as outlined on the official page.
- Submit your application via the application form provided on the Fungai Africa website.
- Ensure your application is complete before the deadline: 5 April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The DPI Governance Fellowship brings together early‑career African researchers, policy thinkers, and digital rights advocates to study how Digital Public Infrastructure shapes governance and society. Fellows learn rights‑based analysis and work on policy outputs to influence inclusion and justice in digital systems.
What is the DPI Governance Fellowship?
The DPI Governance Fellowship is a remote, part-time program that empowers African researchers to audit Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) through a human rights and democratic lens. It focuses on analyzing identity systems, data platforms, and service portals to ensure they advance justice and inclusion.
Who is eligible to apply?
The fellowship is open to early-career researchers, digital rights advocates, and policy thinkers passionate about technology, governance, and justice in Africa. Applicants must reside in Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda, or Tanzania.
What are the benefits of the fellowship?
Fellows receive a $300 monthly stipend, bi-weekly virtual seminars, mentorship, and opportunities to publish research and advocacy outputs. They also join a network of digital rights and policy practitioners across Africa.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 5 April 2026. Interested candidates should submit their applications via the Fungai Africa website before this date.
How long is the DPI Governance Fellowship program?
The fellowship runs from June to August 2026, lasting three months. It is a remote, part-time commitment requiring 15–20 hours per week.
What is the focus of the fellowship curriculum?
The curriculum covers foundations of DPI and democracy, field research methods, digital security, and translating research into policy and advocacy outputs. It includes three months of structured remote engagement.
What outputs are expected from fellows?
Fellows contribute to a DPI research report, an advocacy toolkit, country policy briefs, press summaries, and published opinion pieces. They produce field notes, transcripts, and final case studies.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
The DPI Governance Fellowship provides a $300 monthly stipend, totaling $900, but it is not fully funded. It is a partially funded remote program with additional non-monetary benefits like mentorship and networking.
How can I apply for the fellowship?
Applications are submitted via the application form on the Fungai Africa website. Candidates must prepare their materials as outlined on the official page and ensure completion before the deadline.
What countries are eligible for the fellowship?
The fellowship is open to residents of Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Applicants must be based in one of these focus countries to be eligible.
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