The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) has announced a call for applications for the AI4D Africa Scholarship, aimed at enhancing doctoral and early career research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative, funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), offers a unique opportunity for PWDs to pursue advanced studies and research in AI and ML, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Program Overview
The AI4D Africa Scholarship aims to support PhD students and Early Career Academics (ECAs) in AI and ML, emphasizing the representation of equity-seeking groups. The scholarship strives for a balanced distribution of beneficiaries across Francophone, Anglophone, and Lusophone sub-Saharan Africa, with a specific focus on women, who are underrepresented in the AI field. The supported studies must adhere to responsible AI practices and involve systematic data collection and engagement with user communities.
Categories and Eligibility
Category 1: Registered PhD Students
- Target Group: PWDs, predominantly women, who are already registered for a PhD in AI or its derivatives.
- Duration: Two years.
- Eligibility:
Must be enrolled in an AI-related study under a supervisor, with completed coursework and approved research proposal.
Must attach a support letter from their supervisor, PhD admission letter, and evidence of research proposal approval.
Must have competent academic credentials and thorough knowledge of the language of instruction at their host university (English, French, or Portuguese).
Must be nationals or permanent residents of an eligible sub-Saharan country.
Must be registered as a PWD and possess a relevant certificate of disability.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to US$ 28,000 (Tuition fees: $4,000, Research activities: $24,000).
Category 2: Early Career Academics (ECAs)
- Target Group: ECAs with the capacity to supervise MSc students, holding a PhD in AI and ML for not more than five years.
- Duration: Two years.
- Eligibility:
Must have held a PhD in AI and ML for no more than five years.
Must have competent academic credentials and demonstrate motivation to pursue an academic career.
Must be nationals or permanent residents of an eligible sub-Saharan country.
Must be registered as a PWD and possess a relevant certificate of disability.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to US$ 41,500 (Research costs: $25,000, Research infrastructure: $10,000, Travel costs: $2,500, Tuition fees for two MSc students: $4,000).
Capacity Strengthening and Key Benefits
The program also offers complementary activities to strengthen the capacity of scholarship beneficiaries, including:
SRAIS (Scaling of Responsible AI solutions) mentoring.
Sensitization of responsible data collection frameworks.
Scaling of AI solutions.
AI policy brief development.
A regional research and development conference after 24 months.
Key Benefits:
Financial Assistance: Scholarships cover project expenses, tuition fees, books, and other academic costs.
Collaborative Learning and Networking: Opportunities for cross-learning and networking among scholars and AI innovation hubs.
Accessibility Support: Access to AI ethics toolkits and resources for responsible AI development.
Mentorship and Ethics: Pairing with mentors specializing in responsible AI scaling.
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is available to applicants from the following sub-Saharan African countries:
(Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.)
Application Process
To apply, candidates must follow the application instructions specific to their category (PhD students or ECAs) and submit the required documents through the designated platform.
🌐 Visit this webpage and pick the category you belong to, to check application instructions
ℹ️ For further information, visit the official webpage of the call here.
ℹ️ For general enquiries, email: lepsai@acts-net.org
📂 Download the Call for application [PDF]
🗓️ key Dates:
Informational webinar: 18 December 2024 from 3:00 pm EAT
Application Deadline: 5 January 2025
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
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