Applications are now open for the PAYAIG Digital Governance Fellowship, an intensive leadership and capacity-building initiative designed to prepare young Africans to actively shape the continent’s digital future.

The fellowship provides structured learning, policy engagement, and practical exposure to global digital governance processes, empowering participants to become informed contributors and leaders within international technology and policy spaces.

About the Fellowship

The PAYAIG Fellowship is an eight-month multilingual program that connects African youth with experts, institutions, and peer networks working at the intersection of technology, governance, and public policy.

Through collaborative learning, expert-led sessions, and practical engagement opportunities, fellows gain a deeper understanding of how digital systems are governed globally and how African perspectives can influence emerging digital frameworks.

The program is built to bridge technical knowledge with governance, ensuring participants develop both policy awareness and leadership skills.

Program Focus Areas

Internet Governance
Participants explore how the internet functions at global and regional levels, including multistakeholder decision-making, digital cooperation frameworks, and governance institutions. Fellows develop the skills needed to engage in international policy discussions and represent African viewpoints.

Cyber Diplomacy
This track introduces fellows to cybersecurity policy, international cooperation mechanisms, and diplomatic approaches to digital security. Participants learn how technology intersects with global stability, diplomacy, and national interests.

Digital Rights
The program examines human rights in digital environments, covering privacy, freedom of expression, data protection, and digital inclusion. Fellows gain tools to advocate for rights-based technology policies across Africa.

AI Governance
Participants engage with ethical and regulatory questions surrounding Artificial Intelligence. Discussions focus on inclusive AI systems, responsible innovation, and Africa’s role in shaping global AI governance frameworks.

Program Structure

The fellowship follows a structured development pathway:

• Open and competitive application process across Africa
• Intensive multilingual training phase
• Certification as a PAYAIG Fellow upon completion
• Selection of top participants as program ambassadors
• Continued alumni engagement through mentorship and policy activities

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 10 May 2026.