The Africa Center for Digital Transformation (ACDT) is pleased to announce the launch of the TechForward Policy Fellowship 2026 Cohort, a flagship leadership and policy development programme designed to equip Global South leaders with the skills, networks, and tools needed to shape inclusive digital futures. Building on the success of the 2025 cohort, the TechForward Policy Fellowship continues to position itself as a premier platform at the intersection of technology, public policy, and society, responding to the growing demand for thoughtful, future-oriented leadership in an increasingly digital world. Programme Background and Impact The TechForward Policy Fellowship has rapidly gained global recognition as a high-impact policy leadership initiative. In 2025, the Fellowship received over 900 applications from 54 countries, reflecting both the urgency of digital governance challenges and the strong interest among professionals seeking to influence technology policy responsibly. The diversity, depth, and quality of applicants in 2025 reaffirmed the Fellowship’s relevance as a space for cultivating leaders capable of navigating complex digital transformations while centering equity, inclusion, and public interest. The 2026 Cohort builds on this momentum, offering a refined and expanded learning experience focused on emerging technologies, governance frameworks, and collaborative policy design. About the TechForward Policy Fellowship The TechForward Policy Fellowship is a structured, cohort-based programme that brings together a diverse group of professionals from across the Global South. It is designed to strengthen participants’ capacity to engage with, design, and influence technology-related policies at local, national, regional, and global levels. The Fellowship combines rigorous learning, expert mentorship, and collaborative policy development, enabling fellows to critically assess digital transformation trends and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable innovation ecosystems. Who Should Apply? The TechForward Policy Fellowship 2026 is open to mid-career and emerging professionals from the Global South who are actively engaged or interested in the intersection of technology and public policy. Eligible Applicants Include: Policymakers and public sector professionals Researchers and academics Technologists and digital practitioners Entrepreneurs and innovators Civil society leaders and advocates Emerging professionals working in technology, governance, or development Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in technology policy, governance, and inclusive innovation, as well as a commitment to contributing to positive social impact through their work. Fellowship Focus Areas The 2026 cohort will engage deeply with critical themes shaping digital futures, including but not limited to: Emerging and frontier technologies Digital governance and regulation Technology policy design and implementation Inclusive and equitable innovation Ethics, accountability, and public interest in technology Global and regional technology policy dynamics The programme emphasizes practical, context-aware approaches that reflect the realities and priorities of Global South communities. Fellowship Structure and Learning Experience The TechForward Policy Fellowship offers a carefully designed learning journey that balances theory, practice, and collaboration. Key Components Include: Structured learning modules led by experts in technology policy and governance Mentorship from experienced policymakers, researchers, and practitioners Collaborative policy design labs, where fellows work together on real-world policy challenges Peer learning and exchange across countries, sectors, and disciplines Opportunities to build long-term professional networks across the Global South and beyond The Fellowship is designed to be intellectually rigorous while remaining accessible to working professionals. Why Join the TechForward Policy Fellowship? Participation in the TechForward Policy Fellowship offers fellows the opportunity to: Strengthen their policy analysis and design skills Gain exposure to cutting-edge debates on digital transformation Learn from and collaborate with a diverse, global cohort Engage with mentors who are shaping technology policy in practice Contribute to inclusive, forward-looking policy solutions Enhance their professional profile and leadership trajectory Fellows emerge better equipped to influence policy processes, advocate for inclusive innovation, and respond to the societal implications of emerging technologies. Commitment to Inclusion and the Global South The TechForward Policy Fellowship is intentionally designed with a strong Global South focus. ACDT is committed to amplifying perspectives that are often underrepresented in global technology policy conversations and ensuring that digital transformation efforts reflect diverse social, economic, and political contexts. The programme values diversity across geography, gender, discipline, and professional background, and encourages applications from individuals working in challenging or under-resourced environments. Application Information The TechForward Policy Fellowship 2026 Cohort is now open for applications. Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare a strong application demonstrating their interest in technology policy, their professional background, and their motivation to contribute to inclusive digital futures. Application details, deadlines, and submission guidelines are available through ACDT’s official channels. Shaping Digital Futures Together As digital technologies continue to reshape societies, economies, and governance systems, the need for informed, ethical, and inclusive policy leadership has never been greater. The TechForward Policy Fellowship 2026 offers a unique opportunity for Global South leaders to engage, collaborate, and shape the policies that will define our shared digital future. APPLY NOW For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.