Applications are now open for the 2026 AI for Good Fellowship by Code for Africa, offering African technologists a paid opportunity to build ethical AI solutions that address pressing societal issues across the Sahel and neighbouring regions.
- Applications are now open for the 2026 AI for Good Fellowship by Code for Africa, offering African technologists a paid...
- The four-month fellowship targets mid-career professionals with experience in artificial intelligence, data science, and related fields.
- Throughout the programme, participants will build and test tools such as multilingual AI assistants, systems for tracking harmful narratives, and...
- Applicants with strong ties to African communities are prioritised, ensuring that solutions reflect lived realities rather than external assumptions.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on AI — everything you need to know is covered below.
The four-month fellowship targets mid-career professionals with experience in artificial intelligence, data science, and related fields. Participants will work directly with civil society organisations to design tools that strengthen civic engagement, combat misinformation, and support vulnerable communities. With a growing global focus on responsible AI, the programme places African innovators at the forefront of shaping technology for public good.
Bridging Technology and Human Rights
Implemented by Code for Africa and supported by the Digitalise Youth consortium, the fellowship is designed to connect technical expertise with human rights work. Selected fellows will collaborate closely with human rights defender organisations, co-creating practical solutions tailored to real-world challenges.
RelatedPosts
Throughout the programme, participants will build and test tools such as multilingual AI assistants, systems for tracking harmful narratives, and data-driven platforms that support advocacy and policy decisions. The emphasis is on producing solutions that are not only innovative but also ethical, context-aware, and scalable.
Fellows will also receive mentorship from CfA’s TechLab, DataLab, and AI Sandbox, as well as guidance from global experts in artificial intelligence, policy, and civil society. This hands-on approach ensures participants gain both technical depth and a strong understanding of responsible innovation.
Addressing Challenges in the Sahel
The fellowship comes at a time when regions like the Sahel are grappling with complex issues, including disinformation, climate pressures, and shrinking civic space. By equipping technologists with the tools and partnerships needed to respond, the initiative aims to strengthen democratic participation and digital resilience.
A key focus of the programme is amplifying local expertise. Applicants with strong ties to African communities are prioritised, ensuring that solutions reflect lived realities rather than external assumptions. This approach reinforces the importance of locally driven innovation in tackling regional challenges.
Skills, Stipends, and Career Growth
Beyond its social impact, the fellowship offers substantial professional benefits. Participants will gain hands-on experience with real-world AI projects, sharpening their technical and problem-solving skills.
Each fellow will receive a monthly stipend of $500, allowing them to focus fully on their work. By the end of the programme, participants are expected to produce tangible outputs, including prototypes, research briefs, and implementation plans, to support future career opportunities.
The programme also provides access to a network of policymakers, technologists, and civil society leaders, creating opportunities for collaboration and long-term professional growth.
Eligibility and Deadline
The fellowship is open to AI engineers, data scientists, and social innovators with proven experience in applying technology to societal challenges. Applicants must demonstrate strong technical skills, a commitment to ethical AI practices, and the ability to collaborate across diverse sectors.
Eligible candidates must be based in selected African countries, particularly within the Sahel and surrounding regions. Proficiency in English, French, or Arabic is required.
Applications close on 11 May 2026, with early submissions encouraged. Successful candidates will join a cohort of innovators working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and social impact, contributing to solutions that aim to make a measurable difference across the continent.