The Fund will provide more US$ 72,000 to support research and advocacy projects focused on datafication and democracy to be implemented in 2026.

The Datafication and Democracy Fund was launched during the fourth edition of the Data Privacy Global Conference, organized in São Paulo, Brazil.

The Global South Alliance is jointly managed by Data Privacy Brasil, Aapti Institute, and Paradigm Initiative.

The members are Asociación por los Derechos Civiles, Bolo Bhi, Center for Communication and Governance, CIPESA, Derechos Digitales, Digital Rights Foundation, Dukingire Isi Yacu, Internet Bolivia, Pollicy, Research ICT Africa, Fundación Multitudes, InternetLab, Thraets, Jokkolabs Banjul, Aláfia Lab, Centre for Policy Alternatives, KICTANET, Tech Global Institute, Freedom Forum, TEDIC, Digital Access, Center for AI and Tech Innovation for Democracy and Masaar.

The call for proposals is open to non-profit, non-governmental organizations based in the Global South working on digital rights and related public policy issues.

Previously supported organizations have addressed topics such as online child protection, data governance in electoral processes, biometric technologies in stadiums and large events, mandatory biometric data collection of migrants, and discriminatory surveillance and datafication practices.

According to the launch announcement, the Datafication and Democracy Fund “aims to finance research and public policy analysis projects that address critical questions arising from the impact of datafication on democracy.” The Alliance emphasizes that “datafication is a deep and complex process of social transformation: it shapes the provision of public services mediated by information technologies, the emergence of digital public infrastructures, the data-driven nature of elections, the reconfiguration of markets and platforms, and many aspects of civic life. Beyond deliberative processes and elections, datafication exacerbates democratic challenges such as transparency, due process, and respect for citizens’ autonomy.”

Selected applicants will receive grants of up to US$ 8,000 to support their research projects. Depending on the proposals submitted, between 8 and 12 projects will be funded.

All funded projects must be carried out during 2026.

Applicants are required to submit:

1. A one-page cover letter outlining the organization’s background, experience, and motivation for participating in the research program;
2. A proposal of up to five pages detailing the topic, scope, methodology, expected results, and relevance of the project to digital rights and democracy in the Global South;
3. A detailed budget, not exceeding US$ 8,000, specifying how resources will be allocated across the proposed project’s components.

Applications must be submitted in English by January 30th 2026, through the designated online form.

The alliance aims to connect 100 million individuals and businesses to the digital economy by 2034. The World Bank Group affirmed its commitment to contribute its expertise, data driven insights, and experience to the initiative.

The objective aligns with the three institutions’ focus on accelerating digitalization by expanding access to secure, affordable, high-quality broadband and data connectivity, and ensuring that different digital services work together seamlessly to benefit users.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sangbu Kim, vice president for digital at the World Bank, said:

“The World Bank Group is deeply committed to expanding inclusive digital access across Africa, and joining the MADE Alliance will help accelerate efforts to improve livelihoods, empower communities, and drive economic growth across the continent.”

Highlighting the significance of the alliance to the African Development Bank(AfDB), Dr. Beth Dunford, vice president for agriculture, human and social development at AfDB stated that it aligned with the group’s two priority areas – Feed Africa and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa, bringing the Group closer to achieving its goals by connecting smallholder farmers to digital services that lead to greater food production.

The MADE Alliance was launched in May 2024 and had since executed significant projects such as the provision of payment tools to 50,000 sunflower farmers in Tanzania and the deployment of affordable high-speed internet digital skills training for farmers cooperatives in Kenya.

Other members of the MADE alliance include Equity Bank Group, Microsoft, Heifer International, Shell Foundation, Tanzania’s CRDB Bank, Syngenta Foundation in Kenya, Nigeria, Sustainable Agriculture Foundation, Unconnected.org, Yara, and Kenya National Farmers’ Federation.