WanaData Fellowships by Code for Africa: Paid Remote Fellowship to Digitalise Youth Voices in Africa

The WanaData Fellowships are a paid, remote fellowship opportunity designed to digitalise youth voices across Africa by strengthening data-driven storytelling and civic technology initiatives. Offered by Code for Africa (CfA), the WanaData Fellowships focus on empowering African data journalists and data scientists to amplify youth engagement around SDG 16, gender data, digital rights, and civic participation. This fellowship opportunity is particularly targeted at professionals working in the Sahel region, neighbouring West Africa, and the Horn of Africa, and supports innovative projects that contribute to secure, inclusive digital spaces.

The WanaData Fellowships are part of the broader WanaData Initiative, which aims to close content gaps on gender, digital governance, cybersecurity, freedom of expression, and human rights in Africa. Through this fellowship, selected fellows will gain financial support, technical training, mentorship, and access to a strong pan-African network of civic technology and data experts.

Background and Overview of the WanaData Fellowships

The WanaData Fellowships are organized by Code for Africa (CfA), Africa’s largest civic technology and data journalism initiative. The fellowship supports African professionals who use data to tell impactful stories, influence public discourse, and strengthen democratic participation.

This fellowship is implemented as a joint initiative between Code for Africa and several international and regional partners, including:

• European Partnership for Democracy (EPD)

• AfricTivistes

• CFI Media Development

• World Scout Bureau Africa Regional Office

• Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF)

• Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD)

Under the WanaData Initiative, the fellowship focuses on improving digital content related to:

• Gender data and gender-focused projects

• African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection

• E-democracy and digital mobilisation in social movements

• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)

• Freedom of expression and human rights

The WanaData Fellowships aim to equip fellows with the skills and resources needed to engage youth meaningfully while promoting responsible digital practices across Africa.

Extensive Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

The WanaData Fellowships are open to African professionals who meet specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must carefully review the criteria to ensure they qualify before applying.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must:

1. Be a registered WanaData member with at least one (1) year of experience as:

   • A data scientist, or

   • A data storyteller (including journalists, media content creators, or similar professionals).

2. Have a portfolio of published work that demonstrates experience in data journalism, data science, or data storytelling. Applicants must be able to share this portfolio during the application process.

3. Be based in Africa, preferably:

   • In the Sahel region,

   • Neighbouring West African countries, or

   • The Horn of Africa.
     Exceptional applicants from other parts of Africa may also be considered.

4. Be fluent in English or French. Bilingual applicants (English and French) are strongly encouraged.

5. Demonstrate a strong interest in digital rights, gender issues, and youth civic engagement.

6. Have experience in gender data research, particularly as it relates to civic participation, governance, or digital inclusion.

7. Show interest in the fellowship’s thematic areas, which include:

   • Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection

   • E-democracy

   • Digital mobilisation in social movements

   • Gender and SDG 16

   • Freedom of expression

   • Human rights

8. Demonstrate the ability to track contributions and submit reports efficiently, as monitoring and documentation are part of the fellowship requirements.

9. Be willing to participate fully in:

   • Mentorship sessions

   • Training programs

   • Outreach and community engagement activities.

10. Comply with WanaData policies, including rules on attribution, privacy protection, and friendly space guidelines.

There are no specific academic degree requirements mentioned, but applicants must have demonstrable professional experience relevant to the fellowship.

Fellowship Program Details

The WanaData Fellowships are structured to provide both financial support and professional development opportunities.

Key Fellowship Details

• Number of Awards: Up to 14 Fellows

• Duration: 6 months

• Mode: Remote

• Stipend: USD 250 per month per fellow

Additional Support and Benefits

In addition to the monthly stipend, fellows will receive:

• Hands-on training in data tools and methodologies

• Technical capacity-building support

• One-on-one mentorship with experienced professionals

• Ongoing guidance and support from Code for Africa’s Communities and Academy Team

The fellowship is designed to strengthen fellows’ ability to create impactful, data-driven content that promotes youth participation and gender-focused civic engagement.

How to Apply: Application Process

Interested and eligible candidates must complete the official online application form provided by Code for Africa.

Application Steps

1. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including WanaData membership and required experience.

2. Prepare your portfolio of published work showcasing your data storytelling or data science experience.

3. Complete the online fellowship application form with accurate and detailed information.

4. Submit your application before the stated deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to provide clear evidence of their experience, interests, and alignment with the fellowship’s thematic focus areas.

Important Dates and Deadline

• Application Deadline: 11 January 2026

Late submissions will not be considered, so applicants are advised to apply early.

The WanaData Fellowships by Code for Africa offer a valuable opportunity for African data journalists and data scientists to digitalise youth voices, strengthen gender-focused civic engagement, and contribute to secure and inclusive digital spaces across Africa. With a paid stipend, remote structure, and access to expert mentorship and training, the WanaData Fellowships provide an impactful platform for professionals committed to SDG 16, digital rights, and data-driven storytelling.

For eligible applicants passionate about data, gender, and youth participation, the WanaData Fellowships represent a meaningful pathway to amplify impact at both regional and continental levels.

Apply Here: WanaData Fellowships Application Portal