Applications for the AI4D Scholarship Programme 2025 are now being accepted if you are a woman who is enthusiastic about promoting machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) research in Sub-Saharan Africa. This program addresses issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by funding doctorate and early-career academic research in AI and ML. The program’s ultimate goal is to improve doctoral and early career research in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in Sub-Saharan Africa by fostering diversity, ethical AI practices, and beneficial solutions for local people. This article has all the information you require.
AI4D Scholarship 2025 Summary
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Location: Sub-Saharan Africa (various institutions)
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Offered By: African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS)
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Target Group: Women pursuing advanced AI/ML research
- Level of Study: Early Career Academics (Category 2) and PhDs (Category 1)
- Research Areas: Responsible AI solutions and AI and ML tackling SDGs
- Funding: Up to $41,500 for early-career academics and up to $28,000 for PhD students.
- Time frame: 24 months.
- Deadline to Apply: March 14, 2025.
- Commencement Date: 2025 (differs according to grant approval.).
- Those who are citizens or permanent residents of Sub-Saharan African nations are eligible.
AI4D Scholarship 2025 Overview
The Artificial Intelligence for Development Africa (AI4D) Scholarship, provided by The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), provides funding and technical assistance for AI/ML research that has a direct positive impact on communities. In order to address societal issues, it places a strong emphasis on ethical data collection, scalable solutions, and creative AI applications. Mentoring, resources on AI ethics, and chances for networking and cooperation throughout the continent will all be made available to scholars.
Research Activities include:
- AI solutions for SDGs are the focus of the research.
- Seminars and webinars about ethical AI procedures.
- Conferences for regional research and development.
- Assistance with the deployment and scalability of AI breakthroughs.
Complementary Activities:
- Guidance on scaling ethical AI systems.
- Instruction on moral frameworks for gathering data.
- Creation of policy briefs on AI.
- Involvement in a single regional conference for research and development following a 24-month period.
Funding and Benefits
- Up to $28,000 is awarded to PhD candidates, which includes $24,000 for research and $4,000 for tuition.
- Up to $41,500 is awarded to early-career academics, which includes $4,000 for two MSc students’ tuition, $25,000 for research, $10,000 for infrastructure, and $2,500 for travel.
- Access to professional mentoring and AI ethical toolkits.
- Networking possibilities with experts and hubs in AI.
Eligibility Criteria
Category 1: PhD Students
- Must be women enrolled in an AI/ML PhD program already.
- Accepted research proposal and finished curriculum.
- Show that you can develop long-lasting AI solutions.
- Strong academic qualifications and a dedication to research.
- English, French, or Portuguese is the language of instruction.
- Individuals who are citizens or permanent inhabitants of Sub-Saharan nations that qualify.
Category 2: Early-Career Academics (ECAs)
- Women who have earned a PhD in AI/ML for no more than five years are required.
- The ability to mentor MSc students.
- Strong academic background and dedication to learning.
- Citizens or long-term inhabitants of Sub-Saharan nations that qualify.
How to Apply
1. Online Application
Interested qualified candidates must submit their applications by Completing the online application form.
2. Submit required documents
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letter of motivation.
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letter of support from a supervisor (only for PhD students).
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Accepted research proposal and letter of admission for a PhD program (only for PhD students).
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Resume and proof of research ability.
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Institutional or national approval documentation for research (if needed).
3. Attend pre-application webinars
On 28 February 2025 you can attend pre-application webinars where you will learn about:
- Program objectives, eligibility restrictions, and the support provided to scholars.
- Interactive Q&A: Learn more about the advantages of the scholarship and the application process, as well as get answers to your questions from the panel.
ℹ️ Information & Resources: For further details, contact lepsai@acts-net.org or visit the official scholarship portal.
Download the Call For Applications PDF