Africa is home to 18% of the world’s people but holds less than 1% of global data centre capacity, and only about 40% of its population is online. That gap in compute, connectivity, and digital skills is what a new pan-African research call wants to close.
$12 Million in Research Funding
The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), a platform of 20 national science funding councils across sub-Saharan Africa, has opened a call for Expressions of Interest to support the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034 (STISA-2034).
One of five thematic streams targets Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies, framed around a more integrated and connected continent. It funds two research avenues:
- Applications: AI tools that address priority sectors like agriculture, health, environment, and education, plus scaling proven AI innovations and strengthening the use of AI in scientific research.
- Learning and entrepreneurship: STEM and AI skills programs for African youth, women, and researchers, and support for digital and AI-enabled startups.
Proposals are expected to build on existing continental efforts, including the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy and work by AUDA-NEPAD.
Each consortium needs at least three institutions from three different SGCI countries eligible under the AI stream, a group that includes Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania. Public and private universities, research organizations, and government research bodies can lead or co-apply. Each member can request between CA$50,000 and CA$300,000, and projects run up to 36 months.
Apply Now! Deadline: September 25, 2026
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