About AI4D Africa Scholarship Program
The AI4D Africa Scholarship Program, funded by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) with support from IDRC and FCDO, is a unique opportunity for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This program supports advanced research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning ( ML) at doctoral and early-career academic levels.
The initiative focuses on empowering individuals to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through responsible, impactful AI research.
Program Goals:
- Promote inclusivity and diversity in AI research
- Ensure equitable access to research opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly women
- Support solution-focused research that addresses real-world challenges
AI4D Africa Scholarship Program Categories
The AI4D Africa Scholarship Program offers two distinct categories, tailored to support doctoral students and early-career academics:
Category 1: Registered PhD Students
This category is for PWD candidates already enrolled in PhD programs in AI-related fields. Eligible candidates must:
- Have completed PhD coursework and received approval for their research proposal.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, motivation, and the ability to create sustainable AI solutions addressing community challenges.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Tuition supports up to $4,000
- Research funding up to $24,000
AI4D Africa Scholarship Program Requirements:
- Must be a registered PhD student with a disability
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of an eligible Sub-Saharan country
- Evidence of PhD admission, research proposal approval, and supervisor endorsement
Category 2: Early Career Academics (ECAs)
This category is designed for early-career PhD holders in AI and ML who aspire to supervise MSc students and have held their doctorate for no more than five years.
Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to academic advancement and community-focused AI solutions.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Research funding up to $25,000
- Infrastructure supports up to $10,000
- Travel and student tuition fees coverage
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have a PhD in AI/ML or a related field
- Be a PWD and resident of an eligible Sub-Saharan country
- Demonstrate capacity for impactful AI research and teaching
Key Benefits
1. Financial Assistance
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, covering tuition, research expenses, books, and other academic costs.
2. Collaborative Learning & Networking
The program fosters connections among scholars and established AI hubs across Africa, promoting collaborative learning and cross-disciplinary engagement.
3. Accessibility & Mentorship
Each scholar gains access to AI ethics toolkits, guidance on responsible AI practices, and mentorship from experienced professionals in scaling AI solutions responsibly.
4. Capacity Building Activities
Complementary activities are designed to strengthen scholar capabilities, including mentoring on responsible AI solutions, workshops on ethical data collection, and regional research conferences.
Important Dates
- Application Period Opens: 5 November 2024
- Webinars: 27 November and 18 December 2024, 3:00 pm EAT
- Application Deadline: 5 January 2025
For general inquiries, please email us at lepsai@acts-net.org.
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