Applications are now open for a global AI Engineer fellowship aimed at shaping how artificial intelligence is developed and deployed for the public good across Africa.
- Applications are now open for a global AI Engineer fellowship aimed at shaping how artificial intelligence is developed and deployed...
- The six-month opportunity is offered by Code for Africa (CfA) through its InclusionAI Research Network, in partnership with the A+...
- The work goes beyond experimentation, focusing on building systems that can perform real tasks, adapt to context, and deliver measurable...
- Familiarity with both open-source and commercial AI tools is essential, along with a clear understanding of responsible AI practices, including...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on A+ Alliance — everything you need to know is covered below.
The six-month opportunity is offered by Code for Africa (CfA) through its InclusionAI Research Network, in partnership with the A+ Alliance.
The fellowship will see a selected candidate join CfA’s TechLab to help design and implement an AI innovation sandbox. Funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the initiative supports women-led and women-focused organisations across Sub-Saharan Africa to build ethical and impactful AI solutions.
Building AI for Real-World Impact
At the heart of the role is hands-on engineering. The selected fellow will lead AI strategy and implementation across multiple products, including those of partner organisations. The work goes beyond experimentation, focusing on building systems that can perform real tasks, adapt to context, and deliver measurable outcomes.
Unlike traditional machine learning roles, this position targets engineers who specialise in applying AI to products. Candidates are expected to design agent-based systems, manage workflows, and ensure solutions function reliably in real-world conditions. The role also involves evaluating performance and refining systems to meet practical needs.
Who Should Apply
Applicants must have at least 4 years of experience building and shipping software, along with hands-on work with AI-powered systems. Strong proficiency in Python and TypeScript is required, along with experience designing agentic AI systems capable of multi-step reasoning, tool use, and error handling.
Candidates should demonstrate strong system design thinking, including considerations around cost, latency, and reliability. Familiarity with both open-source and commercial AI tools is essential, along with a clear understanding of responsible AI practices, including bias mitigation and transparency.
Additional advantages include experience with open-source large language models, vector databases, multilingual AI systems, and cloud infrastructure tools like Docker and Kubernetes. Fluency in languages such as French, Arabic, or Kiswahili is also considered a plus.
A Global Role with African Focus
The fellowship is fully remote and open to applicants worldwide, though preference will be given to candidates based in Africa. The successful fellow will work within a diverse, international team of engineers, designers, and journalists while also collaborating with civil society groups, media organisations, and human rights advocates.
One of the fellow’s first tasks will be leading the technical architecture of the AI Innovation Sandbox. This platform will provide civil society organisations with access to advanced AI tools, enabling them to develop solutions tailored to their communities.
What Fellows Gain
Participants will receive a competitive monthly stipend, mentorship from CfA’s TechLab, and access to a global network of researchers and practitioners. The programme also offers opportunities to develop advanced technical skills and gain international exposure through collaborative projects and publications.
Applications are open on a rolling basis, with a deadline of April 30, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Interested applicants should fill in this form to apply. Further information about the programme can be found on the Code for Africa website.