Africa stands at a critical point in its digital transformation journey. As digital technologies rapidly reshape governance, business, and public services across the continent, the need for ethical, inclusive, and forward-thinking data governance has never been greater. Yet existing data governance structures are struggling to keep pace. Institutional weaknesses, fragmented data practices, and inadequate safeguards continue to undermine trust and stifle innovation. To fully harness the power of data, Africa must build trusted, citizen-centred ecosystems that promote transparency, empower communities, and drive inclusive, tech-enabled growth. The Africa’s Data Future Fellowship invests in the next generation of leaders who are ready to close this gap.
The 2025 Africa’s Data Future Fellowship, launched by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), is a bold, pan-African initiative designed to elevate policy leadership in the data governance space. This 3-month, fully remote programme equips emerging data governance changemakers with the skills, mentorship, and networks to turn expertise into action and shape the continent’s digital transformation.
Fellows engage with six critical themes:
Through hands-on learning and collaborative policy development, Fellows gain the capacity to craft practical solutions to Africa’s most urgent data governance challenges, while strengthening professional networks that drive sustained, cross-border impact.
Egypt, North Africa
Expertise:
Gender Lens in Digital Transformation; Media and Digital Communication; Artificial Intelligence (AI); and Youth Digital Skills
Summary:
Dr. Donia Tarek Abdelwahab Mohamed is an Assistant Professor at the Canadian International College in Egypt, with academic and consulting expertise at the intersection of women’s empowerment, digital media, and data governance. Her interdisciplinary work bridges research and policy, supporting the development of inclusive, people-centred data ecosystems that address gender bias in North Africa’s digital transformation. Dr. Mohamed’s recent projects explore how emerging technologies, particularly AI and digital platforms, shape gender representation, youth digital skills, and public perception. She has published widely on topics such as gendered disinformation, entrepreneurship in the gig economy, and inclusive AI policy in the sub-region. She contributes critical insights into the role of data and digital media in shaping equitable futures across the region.
Algeria, North Africa
Expertise:
Data Innovation; Digital Inclusion & Transformation; Artificial Intelligence; Digital Public Infrastructure
Summary:
Zeyneb Zerouali has over eight years of experience supporting data-driven decision-making at Algeria’s leading telecoms operator, ATM Mobilis. Zeyneb leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to enhance network efficiency. In 2024, she emerged as the winner of the Ibtikar Hackathon on “Digitisation for the Efficiency of Public Services”, a recognition of her innovative solutions that enhance digital governance and public service delivery. She is committed to leveraging data to support innovation and measurable success across the telecommunications sector.
Guinea, West Africa
Expertise:
Digital Transformation Strategy; Digital Public Infrastructure; Software Development; Interoperability Standards & APIs; Data Sharing; Public Policy; Artificial Intelligence; and Stakeholder Statement
Summary:
Mariame Bah brings over two decades of experience advancing secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital ecosystems across Guinea’s public sector. As Deputy Director General of Guinea’s National Agency for State Digitalisation (ANDE), she plays a pivotal role in the country’s digital transformation, leading the design and deployment of platforms that enhance transparency, fiscal efficiency, and data governance. Mariame has held senior positions in key government institutions, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance. She helped shape the national digital policy and led the implementation of strategic projects funded by the UNDP and African Development Bank. These initiatives have modernised Guinea’s public administration through digitised systems for inter-agency data exchange, public financial management, tax and asset tracking, and citizen service delivery. Mariame's expertise continues to influence Guinea's trajectory toward a more integrated and transparent digital future.
Nigeria, West Africa
Expertise:
Digital Public Infrastructure; GovTech Strategy; Data Sharing; Financial Payments Modernisation; and Interoperability Standards & APIs
Summary:
Dr. Robert O. Ifeonu is a digital transformation expert with over 14 years of experience delivering technology-driven reforms across public and private sectors. As Lead Digital Development Specialist at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), he has delivered high-impact initiatives in digital public infrastructure, payments modernisation, and AI-powered regulatory systems that address systemic challenges and strengthen institutional agility. His current research explores digital trust, data sharing, and institutional resilience and has been featured at global policy and technology forums. Dr. Ifeonu recently led a citizen-focused DPI adoption framework, influencing Nigeria’s national digital policy direction. Notably, he was awarded the CBN Governor’s Commendation for leading the Digital First Project, one of the largest digital transformation programmes in Nigeria’s public sector. He has also advised central banks in Ghana and Kenya on digital economy strategies and digital government architectures.
Cameroon, Central Africa
Expertise:
Data Governance, Information Economics; Digital Economy and Regional Integration
Summary:
Dr. Fabrice Nzepang is an economist and policy analyst whose expertise spans data governance, the digital economy, and development economics. Dr. Nzepang is a Researcher at the Research Centre on Innovation, Institutions, and Inclusive Development and the Founder of the Cameroon Economics Society. An accomplished scholar, he has authored multiple publications on ICT adoption and governance in Sub-Saharan Africa. His research interests encompass the digital and social economy, public governance, and human capital. He is committed to data-driven policymaking and development strategies across Africa.
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa
Expertise:
Digital Rights & Inclusion; Internet Governance; Cybersecurity; Artificial Intelligence Policy; and Ethical Digital Transformation
Summary:
Relance Kataliko is a digital inclusion advocate, policy researcher, and founder of the DigiYouth Initiative, a youth-led programme which equips youths in the DRC with digital skills, civic tech tools, and the capacity to engage in public policy. His commitment lies in utilising technology to drive positive change and empower individuals to thrive in the digital age. Relance has led initiatives on internet governance and active digital citizenship. As part of the Coalition for Independent Technology Research, he advances responsible data use, AI policy, and ethical digital technologies in conflict-affected regions. His mission is to ensure technology serves as a force for equity, empowerment, and sustainable development across Africa.
Kenya, East Africa
Expertise:
Digital Policy; Data Protection, Privacy and Emerging Technologies; Cross-Border Data Flows; AI Regulation and Ethical Data Stewardship
Summary:
Dorine N. Wanjeru is a Principal Data Protection Officer at the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, Kenya. She is also currently an AI Policy Fellow at the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law at Strathmore University. With over nine years of experience in technology policy and data protection, she leads legal strategy, cross-border policy engagement, and litigation on privacy and emerging technologies. Dorine contributes to multiple national task forces and working groups on cybersecurity policy standards, operating procedures on virtual assets, data governance, and privacy. She is passionate about advancing ethical, inclusive, and innovative approaches to data governance and digital transformation in Africa.
Ethiopia, East Africa
Expertise:
Digital Public Infrastructure; Stakeholder Engagement, Innovation & Startup Policy; Data Sharing
Summary:
Saminas Seyfu serves as Stakeholder Engagement and Use Case Director at the Office of the Prime Minister, National ID programme in Ethiopia, working closely with key players to achieve a robust DPI ecosystem that fosters the Digital Ethiopia 2025 agenda. With over a decade of experience, he is a seasoned expert in designing and fostering participatory policymaking for digital transformation through active partnerships and community development. He has previously worked with the AU Foundation, where he was responsible for supporting the Agenda 2063 initiatives and some of its flagship projects. He is also currently involved in Ethiopia’s startup ecosystem, advocating for the Startup Act and leading nationwide innovation projects.
Malawi, Southern Africa
Expertise:
Digital Governance; Regional Integration; Digital Public Infrastructure; Digital Economy Transformation; Policy Analysis; and Digital Connectivity Mapping
Summary:
Dr. Tamika Kampini is a governance and development specialist with over a decade of experience in advancing initiatives that leverage technology and data to improve service delivery, strengthen governance systems, and promote inclusive socio-economic growth in Malawi. She has contributed to major initiatives in areas such as digital public infrastructure, innovation, governance reform, and anti-corruption. Tamika has worked with organisations including the International Telecommunication Union, UNDP, Oxfam International, and the Basel Institute of Governance. Her strength lies in turning research into practical strategies that build inclusive, resilient digital ecosystems. Passionate about ethical development, she champions technology as a catalyst for sustainable progress on the continent.
Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Expertise:
Digital Health Innovation Policies; Digital Transformation; Public Governance
Summary:
Dr. Zacharia Grand is a Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, with over 18 years’ experience in policy research, digital health innovation strategies, and public governance. His current research engages critically with inclusivity and Afrocentric digital transformation for public sector performance improvement in Southern Africa. He has collaborated with UN agencies, international NGOs, and government institutions to strengthen data-driven policymaking across East, Central, and Southern Africa.
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