Africa Digital Rights Fund (ADRF) - 10th Round Call for Proposals

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is calling for proposals for the 10th round of the Africa Digital Rights Fund (ADRF), a rapid-response and flexible grant mechanism providing funding to organisations and networks implementing activities that promote digital rights and digital democracy. The current call is particularly interested in proposals on data governance (data localisation, cross-border data flows, biometric databases, digital ID), digital resilience for human rights defenders/journalists, censorship and network disruptions, digital economy, and digital inclusion (including accessibility for persons with disabilities). Grants range from USD 5,000 to USD 25,000 per applicant, depending on need and scope.

Implementation of approved digital rights activities including research, policy advocacy, strategic litigation, digital security and digital literacy skills building, capacity building, movement building. Monitoring and reporting per CIPESA requirements. Co-funding contribution where committed. Final outcomes reporting.

Open to organisations or networks based or operational in Africa with interventions covering any African country. Aligned with ADRF digital rights priorities (data governance, digital resilience, censorship, digital economy, digital inclusion). Demonstrated commitment and experience advancing digital rights. Cost-sharing strongly encouraged.

CIPESA evaluation: alignment with ADRF priorities, relevance to context/country, applicant commitment and experience, potential impact on digital rights and digital democracy.