AI4D Africa Scholarship Program 2025: Empowering AI Research For Persons With Disabilities In Sub-Saharan Africa

AI4D Africa Scholarship Program 2025: Empowering AI Research for Persons with Disabilities in Sub-Saharan Africa

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