Applications are open for Cohort 2 of the Gender & AI Innovation Collective (GAIC) 2026, a pan-African programme supporting women-led organisations to design and scale technology-driven solutions addressing challenges affecting women and girls.
Co-led by Code for Africa and Women at the Table, with support from global partners, the programme goes beyond traditional funding by offering hands-on technical support, mentorship, and AI-focused capacity building.
Programme Overview
The GAIC is designed for organisations working at the intersection of gender equality and technology, helping them build practical, community-driven solutions powered by artificial intelligence.
Through an intensive and collaborative process, participants will move from concept development to real-world testing, strengthening both their technical capabilities and organisational impact.
The programme is delivered fully online, making it accessible to organisations across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Programme Benefits
Selected organisations will receive:
- Structured learning on AI, data, and ethical innovation
- Technical support from AI engineers and gender experts
- Seed funding to build or adapt solutions:
- Up to CAD 7,500 for prototypes
- Up to CAD 3,000 to improve existing tools
- Additional funding of up to CAD 15,000 for pilot implementation
- Access to mentorship and advisory support
- Participation in a network of like-minded organisations
Focus Areas
The programme seeks solutions addressing:
- Gender-based violence
- Economic inequality
- Healthcare access
- Education for women and girls
Projects that integrate or leverage AI and digital technologies are strongly encouraged.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a civil society or activist organisation in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Be women-led or focused on women’s rights
- Demonstrate a feminist or human rights mission
- Commit to community engagement and participatory design
