Here is what happened in AI in Africa this week:
1. Google for Startups Accelerator Africa — Applications Open
📌 AI-focused cohort for African startups!
Google has opened applications for the 10th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa — an 12-week hybrid program designed for growth-stage startups leveraging AI/ML to solve key challenges in health, climate, agriculture, and society. Founders get mentorship, Google Cloud credits, tech tools, and networking.
⏰ Deadline: March 18, 2026
👉 Apply now — startups building with AI are encouraged to join! https://aireports.africa/2026/02/09/google-for-startups-accelerator-africa-opens-applications-for-10th-cohort-an-ai-first-push-for-continents-innovators/
2. ARISE Project 2026 AI PhD & Postdoc Scholarships
📌 Grow AI research capacity in Africa!
The ARISE Project (ATPS) is accepting applications from Africans for PhD scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships in AI-related fields. These opportunities support research on responsible and gender-inclusive AI aligned with Africa’s development priorities (e.g., health, climate, agriculture, digital economy).
⏰ Deadlines:
• PhD scholarships — March 15, 2026
• Postdoctoral fellowships — March 31, 2026
👉 Perfect for researchers and academics committed to advancing AI for African impact. https://youropportunitiesafrica.com/2026/02/06/the-arise-project-2026-phd-scholarships-and-postdoctoral-fellowships-in-artificial-intelligence-ai-opportunities-for-africans/
3. Federal Government of Nigeria — 3MTT DeepTech_Ready Upskilling
📌 Free tech training including AI & Data Science!
The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) strategy, opened applications for its DeepTech_Ready Upskilling Programme. This aims to equip young Nigerians with advanced skills in Data Science, AI, and other deep tech fields — boosting employability and digital economy readiness.
👉 Apply while spots are still available! https://msmeafricaonline.com/call-for-applications-federal-government-of-nigeria-3mtt-deeptech_ready-upskilling-programme-2026-tech-skills-training-for-young-nigerians/
4. RamadnIA Hackathon — AI Innovation in Morocco
📌 Build AI solutions during Ramadan!
A new nationwide AI hackathon has been announced in Morocco — RamadnIA — bringing together students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators to co-create real AI solutions for local challenges. Participants get mentorship and opportunities to showcase their work.
👉 Great for learners, developers, and teams excited about practical AI projects. https://www.reddit.com/r/rabat/comments/1r11rze/ramadnia_hackathon_ai_innovation_across_morocco/
5. AI4D Network Calls — Scholarships, Courses & Events
📌 Multiple African AI opportunities in one place
The AI4D Network currently lists several open calls relevant to Africans working in AI:
• The Economics of Artificial Intelligence in Africa short course (deadline Feb 9, some may still be open)
• PhD & Postdoctoral opportunities in AI (see ARISE above)
• 2nd International Conference on Advancements in AI in Africa
• HealthAI Community of Practice membership and programming
👉 These are great for researchers, policymakers, and community builders. https://www.ai4d.ai/calls