Code for Africa (CfA) is currently accepting applications for its Lexicon Fellowship in South Africa 2026. Interested applicants are enciuraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About CfA Lexicon Fellowship in South Africa
The Code for Africa Lexicon Fellowship is a part-time opportunity for NLP specialists, machine learning practitioners, and data science experts.The fellowship focuses on building structured hate speech and incitement lexicons that can support human rights monitoring and information integrity work. The programme is designed to help identify and analyse harmful language used in online spaces, especially language linked to hate speech, online violence, dehumanisation, incitement, and coordinated influence campaigns.
Benefits of CfA Lexicon Fellowship in South Africa
- Stipend: Fellows will receive a competitive monthly stipend.
- Duration: 3 months
- Mentorship: Fellows will receive guidance from CfA’s iLab and TechLab teams.
- Network: Opportunities to collaborate with regional innovation and research communities, including networks such as Omdena local chapters.
- Real-world impact: Fellows will work alongside human rights defender (HRD) organisations to implement practical solutions aimed at defending information integrity and strengthening information resilience.
CfA Lexicon Fellowship in South Africa Requirements
They are seeking professionals with:
- Technical skills: Advanced proficiency in Python and strong working knowledge of Google Workspace (G-Suite).
- NLP & Machine Learning: Solid understanding of NLP and machine learning pipelines, with hands-on experience in data science projects.
- Low-resource languages: A minimum of one year’s experience working with low-resource South African languages will be an added advantage.
- Hugging Face: Familiarity with the open-source AI platform, including experience working with transformer models for African languages such as isiZulu.
- Experience: A minimum of two years’ experience in data science, with a strong preference for candidates specialising in Natural Language Processing (NLP).
- Social media data collection: Familiarity with collecting and analysing data from platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, X, YouTube, and Telegram.
- Language proficiency: Fluency in English, + ≥1 of the following languages: Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho and Setswana.
- Contextual understanding: Basic knowledge of cultural, political, and conflict dynamics within the specific regions.
- Portfolio evidence: Demonstrated experience through previous projects involving NLP and machine learning.
- Local language commitment: A clear commitment to advancing African local languages in technology and research.
- Conduct: Ability to maintain timely and open communication with the programme management team.
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Deadline
28 June, 2026
Opportunity Application
View details of
CfA Lexicon Fellowship in South Africa
Apply for CfA Lexicon Fellowship in South Africa
🔍
