A new funding opportunity is open under the Data Governance in Africa Initiative, jointly supported by the Mozilla Foundation and the GIZ African Union, with financial assistance from the European Union and EU Member States. The Data Governance in Africa Research Fund is inviting applications from researchers based in Africa who are keen to study data governance trends and provide policy recommendations.
Successful applicants will receive USD 10,000 to conduct empirical research and contribute to shaping data policy in Africa.This opportunity is ideal for African researchers with expertise in data governance, public policy, human rights, or related fields.
The Data Governance in Africa Research Fund is part of the broader Data Governance in Africa Initiative, aimed at increasing awareness and supporting the domestication of the African Union Data Policy Framework. This framework, endorsed in February 2022, seeks to foster human rights-respecting, sustainable, and inclusive data-driven economies across the continent.
Through this fund, four selected researchers will conduct studies that explore key data governance issues and offer actionable recommendations for policymakers.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to:
- Researchers based in Africa.
- Applicants affiliated with any African Union member state.
- Researchers focusing on one or two of Africa’s five sub-regions:
- East Africa
- West Africa
- Southern Africa
- Central Africa
- North Africa
- Individuals with research expertise in:
- Data governance
- Public policy
- Human rights
- Digital economy and innovation
- Related social science fields
- Applicants from various academic and professional backgrounds, provided they have experience conducting empirical research.
- Researchers must incorporate a human rights-based approach in their research methodology.
Program Details
- Funding Provided: USD 10,000 per researcher
- Number of Researchers Selected: 4
- Focus Areas of Research:
- Legitimate and Trustworthy Data Systems
- Public Value of Data
- Harmonizing Sector Policies to Enhance Data Value
- Optimizing Innovation
- Geographic Focus: Any one or two African sub-regions
- Research Deliverables:
- Conduct an empirical study based on selected focus areas.
- Provide practical policy recommendations supporting the African Union Data Policy Framework.
- Engage in dissemination efforts to share findings with policymakers, stakeholders, and influence-makers across the region.
- Research Approach: Must integrate human rights principles and consider public benefit and ethical data governance.
Application Process
Interested researchers can apply by following these steps:
- Download the official Call for Proposals document for detailed instructions and eligibility requirements.
- Prepare a well-structured research proposal addressing one of the four key focus areas.
- Ensure your proposal outlines a clear human rights-based approach.
- Submit your application via the official portal.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
Why Apply?
This opportunity offers African-based researchers:
- Significant funding support of USD 10,000.
- A platform to influence data governance policies within African Union member states.
- The chance to collaborate with policymakers, civil society, and digital rights advocates.
- A role in shaping Africa’s data-driven future, ensuring it is inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable.
Don’t miss out on this unique chance to contribute to the future of data governance in Africa. If you are an eligible researcher passionate about shaping inclusive and human rights-focused data policies, make sure to apply before the deadline. Take this opportunity to influence policy, receive valuable research funding, and have your work reach key decision-makers across the continent. Apply now and be part of Africa’s data-driven transformation.
