Code for Africa AI for Good Fellowship 2026: Paid Ethical AI Opportunity for African Technologists

The Code for Africa AI for Good Fellowship 2026 offers a unique opportunity for technologists across Africa to apply their skills to real-world challenges while earning a stipend and building impactful solutions. Designed for mid-career professionals with experience in artificial intelligence and data science, this four-month fellowship supports the development of ethical, scalable AI tools that address pressing societal issues across the Sahel and neighbouring regions.

About the Program

The AI for Good Fellowship, implemented by Code for Africa (CfA) and supported by the Digitalise Youth consortium, is a fully funded program aimed at bridging the gap between technology and human rights work. The fellowship places selected participants in collaboration with Human Rights Defender (HRD) organisations, enabling them to co-create AI-driven solutions that strengthen civic engagement, counter misinformation, and support vulnerable communities.

Over the course of four months, fellows will design and prototype tools such as multilingual AI assistants, systems for tracking harmful narratives, and data-driven solutions that inform advocacy and policy decisions. Participants will also receive mentorship from CfA’s TechLab, DataLab, and AI Sandbox, as well as guidance from global experts in AI, policy, and civil society.

The program is highly practical, emphasizing real-world application and collaboration. Fellows will work directly with organisations operating in complex environments, ensuring that the solutions developed are context-sensitive, ethical, and scalable.

Why This Opportunity Matters

As artificial intelligence continues to shape societies globally, there is an increasing need for ethical and inclusive approaches to its development and deployment. This fellowship addresses that need by empowering African technologists to lead innovation in a way that prioritizes human rights, transparency, and social impact.

The Sahel region faces significant challenges, including disinformation, climate vulnerability, and restricted civic space. By equipping technologists with the tools and partnerships needed to address these issues, the fellowship contributes to building resilient digital ecosystems and strengthening democratic participation.

Importantly, the program also amplifies local expertise. By prioritizing applicants with strong ties to African communities, it ensures that solutions are grounded in lived realities rather than external assumptions.

What Participants Will Gain

Participants in the fellowship will benefit from both professional development and meaningful impact. The program offers hands-on experience in building AI solutions that respond to real challenges, allowing fellows to strengthen their technical and problem-solving skills.

Fellows will also gain access to mentorship from leading experts and institutions, helping them refine their approaches to ethical AI and responsible innovation. The collaborative environment fosters connections with policymakers, civil society organisations, and fellow technologists, expanding professional networks across the continent.

In addition, participants receive a monthly stipend of $500, providing financial support while they focus on their projects. By the end of the program, fellows will have developed tangible outputs, including prototypes, research briefs, and scalable implementation plans—valuable assets for career advancement.

Who Can Apply

The fellowship is open to mid-career technologists, including AI engineers, data scientists, and social innovators, who have demonstrated experience in using technology to address societal challenges.

Applicants should have strong technical skills in areas such as machine learning, natural language processing, or data analysis, as well as experience working with real-world datasets. A commitment to ethical AI practices, human rights, and inclusive design is essential.

Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including civil society organisations and policymakers. Fluency in English, French, or Arabic is required, and familiarity with open-source tools or multilingual environments is considered an advantage.

Eligible Areas

Applicants must be based in one of the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, or Togo.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested candidates must complete the online application form and submit the required information demonstrating their experience, technical expertise, and motivation to participate in the fellowship.

The application deadline is 11 May 2026, and early submission is encouraged. Selected fellows will join a cohort of innovators working at the intersection of AI and social impact, with opportunities to showcase their work to regional and global partners.

Learn more and apply on the official call for application.

Explore More Opportunities for Youth

Want to discover more fellowships, scholarships, internships, and global programs like this one? Visit Opportunities for Youth to explore more opportunities.