How is control over data negotiated across Africa, and who benefits from the continent’s digital transformation? The CIVICA DigiAfrica Research Hub invites researchers and practitioners to submit abstracts for a workshop exploring data governance and digital sovereignty in Africa.
Hosted by the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the workshop will examine questions of data ownership, digital infrastructure, regional policy frameworks and the influence of external actors. It will bring together perspectives from political science, law, economics, development studies, data science and related fields.
The workshop is the second in a series organised by the CIVICA DigiAfrica Research Hub, following an initial meeting at the European University Institute in June 2026. The organisers plan to develop a proposal for a special section of the journal Global Policy based on the workshop.
Who can apply?
The call is open to researchers who hold a PhD and practitioners with at least 10 years of experience in practice or policymaking. Applications from researchers and practitioners based in Africa are particularly encouraged.
How to apply
Submit an abstract of up to 500 words outlining your research question, argument, evidence or methods, and intended contribution. Applicants should also indicate the publication format they would consider developing their work towards, and provide their name, affiliation and a short biography.
Eight applicants will be invited to present their papers at the workshop. Online presentations are possible for those unable to travel.
Key dates
- 30 October 2026: Abstract submission deadline
- 6 November 2026: Applicants notified
- 21 January 2027: Draft papers due
- 4 February 2027: Workshop at LSE, London
For more information, click here.