Here is what happened in AI in Africa this week:
1. Code for Africa AI Sandbox Seed Grant 2026
The AI Sandbox Seed Grant from the organization Code for Africa supports civil society organizations building AI tools for public interest in Africa.
- Grant: $3,000 seed funding
- Eligible regions: Sahel, West Africa, and East Africa
- Focus: AI projects addressing governance, media, civic tech, and community needs
- Deadline: 30 March 2026
This program aims to support early experimentation with AI for public-interest innovation. Click here for more information.
2. Code for Africa AI Ethics Fellowship 2026
Another new opportunity from Code for Africa focuses on AI governance and responsible AI development in Africa.
- Stipend: $500/month
- Target: Mid-career professionals in AI policy, governance, and digital rights
- Open to several African countries
- Deadline: 30 March 2026
Participants work on projects addressing ethical and responsible AI development in Africa. Click here for more information.
3. Evidence for AI in Health (EVAH) Research Grants
The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab launched a research funding call under the Evidence for AI in Health initiative.
- Focus: Evaluate AI clinical decision-support tools used by healthcare workers
- Target regions: Sub-Saharan Africa and other developing regions
- Ideal for: Researchers, universities, and health-tech innovators
- Supports research evaluating AI’s impact in real healthcare settings.
Click here for more information.
5. Horizon Europe – Africa Initiative IV (AI & Innovation Research)
The European Union announced a new Africa Initiative IV under the Horizon Europe Programme.
- Around 30 joint EU–Africa research calls
- Focus: collaborative research in AI, digital transformation, and innovation
- Supports partnerships between African and European research institutions
- Large-scale funding opportunities for research consortia.
Click here for more information.
5. AI Governance & Policy Research Summer Fellowship 2026
A new AI governance research fellowship has opened applications.
- Focus: AI policy, governance, and regulation research
- Duration: 3-month immersive research program
- Ideal for early-career researchers and policy professionals
- Open globally including African applicants.
Click here for more information
6. CODESRIA AFRIAK Research Call (Youth Researchers)
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa launched a research call supporting young African scholars.
- Target: Researchers under 35 years old
- Focus: knowledge production, digital transformation, and societal research topics
Click here for more information.