If you are a woman passionate about advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) research in Sub-Saharan Africa, applications are now open for the AI4D Scholarship Programme 2025. This initiative supports doctoral and early-career academic research in AI and ML, addressing challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme aims to promote diversity, responsible AI practices, and impactful solutions for local communities, ultimately Enhancing Doctoral and Early Career Research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Sub-Saharan Africa. All details you need to know in this article.
AI4D Scholarship 2025 Summary
Location: Sub-Saharan Africa (various institutions)
Offered By: African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS)
Target Group: Women pursuing advanced AI/ML research
Study Level: PhD (Category 1) and early-career academics (Category 2)
Research Fields: AI and ML addressing SDGs, including responsible AI solutions
Funding: Up to $28,000 for PhD students; up to $41,500 for early-career academics
Duration: 24 months
Application Deadline: 14 March 2025
Start Date: 2025 (varies based on grant approval)
Eligible To: Nationals or permanent residents of Sub-Saharan African countries.
AI4D Scholarship 2025 Overview
Offered by The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), The Artificial Intelligence for Development Africa (AI4D) Scholarship offers financial and technical support for AI/ML research that directly benefits communities. It emphasizes responsible data collection, scalable solutions, and innovative AI applications in addressing societal challenges. Scholars will gain access to mentorship, AI ethics resources, and opportunities for networking and collaboration across the continent.
Research Activities include:
Research focused on AI solutions for SDGs.
Workshops and webinars on responsible AI practices.
Regional research and development conferences.
Support in scaling and deploying AI innovations.
Complementary Activities:
Mentorship on scaling responsible AI solutions.
Training on ethical data collection frameworks.
Development of AI policy briefs.
Participation in one regional research and development conference after 24 months.
Funding and Benefits
PhD students: receive up to $28,000, including $4,000 for tuition and $24,000 for research.
Early-career academics: receive up to $41,500, covering $25,000 for research, $10,000 for infrastructure, $2,500 for travel, and $4,000 for tuition of two MSc students.
Access to AI ethics toolkits and expert mentorship.
Networking opportunities with AI hubs and professionals.
Eligibility Criteria
Category 1: PhD Students
Must be women already registered for a PhD in AI/ML.
Completed coursework and approved research proposal.
Demonstrate ability to create sustainable AI solutions.
Competent academic credentials and commitment to research.
Knowledge of the language of instruction (English, French, or Portuguese).
Nationals or permanent residents of eligible Sub-Saharan countries.
Category 2: Early-Career Academics (ECAs)
Must be women holding a PhD in AI/ML for no more than five years.
Capacity to supervise MSc students.
Strong academic credentials and commitment to academia.
Nationals or permanent residents of eligible Sub-Saharan countries.
Application Procedure
1. Online Application
Interested qualified candidates must submit their applications by Completing the online application form.
2. Submit required documents
Motivation letter.
Supervisor support letter (PhD students only).
PhD admission letter and approved research proposal (PhD students only).
CV and evidence of research capacity.
National or institutional research approval documents (if required).
3. Attend pre-application webinars
on 31 January and 28 February 2025 you can attend pre-application webinars where you will learn about:
Goals of the program, the requirements for eligibility, and the assistance offered to scholars.
Interactive Q&A: Get answers to your questions from the panel and learn more about the scholarship’s benefits and application procedure.
ℹ️ Information & Resources
For further details, contact lepsai@acts-net.org or visit the official scholarship portal.
📂 Download the Call For Applications PDF
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
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