African technologists working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, civic innovation, and human rights are invited to apply for the AI for Good Fellowship 2026, a new initiative by Code for Africa (CfA) through the Digitalise Youth consortium.
The fellowship will support six technologists from Africa to collaborate with Human Rights Defender (HRD) organisations across the Sahel and neighbouring countries in West and East Africa, helping strengthen public-interest work through ethical and responsible AI solutions.
About the Fellowship
The AI for Good Fellowship is designed for technologists with experience using AI tools to address real-world challenges. Selected fellows will work directly with HRD organisations to improve existing AI-powered initiatives or develop new tools and workflows tailored to local realities.
The fellowship places particular emphasis on generative AI technologies, including large language models (LLMs), and seeks applicants who understand the political, social, and digital contexts of the Sahel and surrounding regions.
Fellows may contribute to projects involving:
- Multilingual AI research assistants
- AI systems for analysing and summarising large volumes of information
- Tools for detecting or tracking harmful narratives and misinformation
- Workflow automation for civic engagement and advocacy
- AI-supported public-interest and policy interventions
Participants may work independently or collaboratively with other experts to design practical and scalable solutions that strengthen the work of civil society organisations.
Selected fellows will receive:
- A monthly stipend of $500
- Four months of fellowship support
- Mentorship from CfA’s TechLab and partner institutions
- Technical support through CfA’s DataLab and AI Sandbox
- Opportunities to collaborate with global AI experts, civil society organisations, and policymakers
- Access to regional networks focused on digital rights, climate resilience, and public health
- Opportunities to showcase capstone projects to local, continental, and international audiences
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is looking for applicants with demonstrated experience in developing AI-driven solutions for social impact and public-interest work.
Applicants should demonstrate experience in:
- AI modelling and machine learning
- Natural language processing (NLP), predictive analytics, or computer vision
- Data collection, cleaning, and analysis
- Community-centred design and co-creation
- Prototyping solutions in resource-constrained environments
- Ethical and inclusive AI practices
- Open-source technologies and open-data systems
Applicants must also:
- Be fluent in English, French, or Arabic
- Demonstrate ties to African communities
- Have experience collaborating with policymakers, grassroots organisations, or civil society actors
Eligible Countries
The fellowship is open to applicants connected to the following countries: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Guinea, Benin, Togo, Cameroon, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
