Applications have officially opened for the Tracka-BudgIT Governance for Women By Women Fellowship 2026, a leadership and civic engagement programme aimed at empowering Nigerian women with practical governance, accountability and public service monitoring skills.

Jointly organized by Tracka and BudgIT, the fellowship seeks to build a new generation of women leaders who can actively promote transparency, monitor government projects and strengthen citizen participation in governance.

The programme is open to women affiliated with civil society organizations (CSOs), media organizations and advocacy groups. Selected participants will undergo a two to three-month virtual fellowship, gaining hands-on knowledge in budget tracking, project monitoring and civic education while joining a growing network of women committed to improving public accountability across Nigeria.

Applications close on July 31, 2026.

What Is the Tracka-BudgIT Governance for Women Fellowship?

The Governance for Women By Women Fellowship is designed to increase women’s participation in governance by equipping them with practical tools to hold public institutions accountable.

Tracka, BudgIT’s service delivery and public accountability platform, has consistently encouraged citizens to monitor constituency projects and government spending. Through this fellowship, the organization is extending that mission by specifically investing in emerging women leaders who want to create measurable change within their communities.

Participants will receive practical training that combines governance education with real-life accountability initiatives, enabling them to engage government institutions more effectively and advocate for improved public services.

Fellowship Focuses on Accountability, Budget Tracking and Civic Engagement

The fellowship curriculum is centered around practical governance skills that participants can immediately apply within their communities.

Successful applicants will gain experience in:

• Budget tracking and public expenditure monitoring
• Community project monitoring
• Civic education and citizen engagement
• Governance and accountability advocacy
• Transparency and public participation initiatives

These skills are intended to strengthen women’s leadership capacity while improving public oversight of government-funded projects.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is specifically designed for women who already demonstrate an interest in governance and public accountability.

Applicants are expected to:

• Be women.
• Work with or be affiliated with a civil society organization (CSO), media organization or advocacy group.
• Have a strong interest in budget tracking, project monitoring and civic education.
• Be available to fully participate in a virtual fellowship lasting between two and three months.

The organizers are looking for individuals who are committed to promoting transparency and improving governance outcomes in their communities.

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Focus States for the 2026 Fellowship

The 2026 edition will prioritize applicants from five Nigerian states:

• Lagos
• Kwara
• Delta
• Gombe
• Katsina
• Enugu

Women residing in or working within these states are encouraged to apply before the application deadline.

Benefits of the Tracka-BudgIT Fellowship

Participants selected for the programme will gain access to several professional and leadership development opportunities.

These include:

• Advanced knowledge of governance and public accountability.
• Practical skills in monitoring government projects.
• Training in civic engagement and citizen participation.
• Opportunities to network with women leaders committed to transparency.
• The chance to contribute to improved public service delivery in local communities.

Beyond technical skills, fellows will become part of a growing network of accountability advocates working across Nigeria to improve governance through citizen engagement.

Application Deadline and How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their applications before July 31, 2026.

Applicants are advised to:

• Visit the official Tracka-BudgIT fellowship application portal.
• Complete the online application form.
• Provide all requested information accurately.
• Submit the application before the deadline.

Given the programme’s competitive nature, early applications are encouraged.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Women’s participation in governance remains an important component of inclusive development. Programmes like the Tracka-BudgIT Governance for Women Fellowship provide practical pathways for women to become active contributors to public accountability rather than passive observers.

By combining governance education, project monitoring and civic engagement, the fellowship equips participants with practical knowledge that can improve transparency at the grassroots level.

For women interested in public policy, advocacy, journalism, community development or civil society leadership, the fellowship offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience while contributing to stronger democratic governance in Nigeria.

With applications open until July 31, 2026, eligible women from the focus states are encouraged to take advantage of this leadership opportunity and become part of a network dedicated to driving accountability and better public service delivery.

FAQ

What is the Tracka-BudgIT Governance for Women Fellowship 2026?

The Tracka-BudgIT Governance for Women By Women Fellowship is a leadership programme that trains women in governance, public accountability, civic engagement, budget tracking and project monitoring.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

Applications are open to women who:

• Are affiliated with a civil society organization (CSO), media organization or advocacy group.
• Have an interest in governance, accountability and civic participation.
• Can commit to a two to three-month virtual programme.

Which states are eligible?

The fellowship focuses on applicants from:

• Lagos
• Kwara
• Delta
• Gombe
• Katsina
• Enugu

How long is the fellowship?

The programme runs virtually for approximately two to three months.

What will participants learn?

Fellows will receive training in:

• Budget tracking
• Government project monitoring
• Civic education
• Public accountability
• Governance advocacy
• Community engagement

What are the benefits of the fellowship?

Participants will:

• Build governance and leadership skills.
• Learn practical accountability techniques.
• Join a network of women promoting transparency.
• Improve their capacity to monitor public projects.
• Support better service delivery within their communities.

Is the fellowship virtual?

Yes. The programme is conducted virtually, allowing participants to complete the fellowship online over two to three months.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on July 31, 2026.

Can media professionals apply?

Yes. Women working with or affiliated with media organizations are eligible, provided they meet the programme requirements.

Can civil society organizations nominate candidates?

The programme is intended for women affiliated with CSOs, advocacy organizations and media institutions. Applicants should follow the official application process outlined by the organizers.

Why should women apply for this fellowship?

The fellowship provides practical governance training, leadership development, networking opportunities and hands-on experience in promoting transparency and accountability. It is ideal for women seeking to make meaningful contributions to governance and public service delivery in Nigeria.

Why should women apply for this fellowship?

The fellowship provides practical governance training, leadership development, networking opportunities and hands-on experience in promoting transparency and accountability. It is ideal for women seeking to make meaningful contributions to governance and public service delivery in Nigeria.