Are you an AI enthusiast with a passion for social impact? The Digitalise Youth consortium, through Code for Africa (CfA), is offering a unique opportunity for technologists across Africa to contribute their AI expertise in collaboration with human rights defenders (HRDs) to create scalable solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges in the Sahel and surrounding regions. The fellowship offers a $500 monthly stipend and provides a platform to make a real-world impact by leveraging the power of AI technology in support of human rights.
Fellowship Overview
The AI for Good Fellowship provides six fellows with the opportunity to work closely with HRD organizations based in the Sahel and neighboring regions in West and East Africa. The selected technologists will assist in scaling up HRD interventions through innovative uses of AI technology, including the development of AI-powered tools, resources, and strategies that support human rights, fight disinformation, and promote civic engagement.
As a fellow, you will collaborate with both local and international experts, gaining valuable mentorship and hands-on experience while helping to address critical issues such as misinformation, public discourse, and civil rights.
Fellowship Package
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Stipend: $500/month
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Duration: 4 months
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Mentorship: Access to CfA’s TechLab, DataLab, and AI Sandbox, alongside guidance from global AI experts, civil society organizations (CSOs), and policymakers.
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Network: Collaborate with regional networks through the Digitalise Youth consortium.
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Real-World Impact: Contribute to solving challenges faced by HRDs through AI-driven solutions.
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Showcase: Present your work at local, national, continental, and global events, raising the visibility of your project.
Key Responsibilities
As a fellow, you will be involved in a variety of impactful tasks aimed at supporting human rights defenders (HRDs) across Africa:
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Co-Design AI Tools: Collaborate with HRDs to co-create AI-based solutions, ensuring ethical compliance and fostering innovation for addressing challenges such as disinformation, harmful content, and censorship.
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AI Modelling & Prompt Engineering: Develop and fine-tune AI models (e.g., natural language processing or NLP, computer vision) for detecting harmful content or mapping disinformation networks.
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Data Analysis & Insights: Analyze large datasets, generate actionable insights, and create research briefs and strategic plans to strengthen HRDs’ advocacy efforts.
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Collaboration: Work alongside HRDs, policymakers, and other stakeholders to design scalable, user-friendly tools that can be adopted across diverse regions.
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is ideal for problem-solvers with expertise in AI technology, particularly those who have demonstrated a commitment to social impact, human rights, and ethical AI. Ideal candidates will have:
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Social Impact Focus: A proven track record of creating AI-driven solutions that enhance civic information, empower human rights defenders, or address societal issues.
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Data Fluency: Expertise in collecting, cleaning, and analyzing socio-economic or environmental data.
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Prototyping Skills: Experience in testing AI solutions in resource-constrained environments.
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Technical Expertise: Strong proficiency in AI/ML techniques, including NLP, computer vision, and predictive analytics.
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Ethical AI Practices: A commitment to transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in AI design and implementation.
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Collaboration Experience: Ability to work in multi-stakeholder environments, including with grassroots organizations and policymakers.
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Language Skills: Fluency in English, French, or Arabic is required.
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Regional Expertise: Familiarity with the Sahel region or neighboring countries and a demonstrated connection to African communities.
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Technical Tools: Proficiency with open-source tools and open data principles.
Eligible candidates should be based in or have strong ties to one of the following countries: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Guinea, Benin, Togo, Cameroon, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia.
Application Process
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Deadline: April 14, 2025
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Application Form: Complete the online form to apply for the fellowship. Ensure that your application clearly demonstrates your experience in AI and social impact, as well as your commitment to ethical AI practices.
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Selection Criteria: Applications will be reviewed based on experience, technical proficiency, demonstrated interest in human rights, and alignment with the fellowship’s goals.
Why Apply?
This fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to be at the forefront of AI-driven innovation for human rights. By participating, you will:
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Enhance Your Skills: Gain hands-on experience in AI development, prompt engineering, and ethical AI practices.
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Collaborate with Experts: Work alongside leading AI practitioners, CSOs, and policymakers to tackle real-world problems.
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Make a Global Impact: Play a key role in advancing the work of human rights defenders in Africa and beyond.
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Network & Showcase: Build valuable connections with global experts and showcase your work at high-profile events.
About the Digitalise Youth Project
The Digitalise Youth Project, part of the Digital Democracy Initiative, focuses on combating disinformation and protecting civic space in the Sahel and neighboring regions. The project empowers youth activists and CSOs with the digital tools and skills needed to defend human rights, counter misinformation, and advocate for online political engagement. Through this initiative, the consortium seeks to strengthen the capacity of young African leaders and media organizations to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively.
The project also aims to raise awareness about digital rights, urging the ratification of the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection.
Meet the Partners
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Code for Africa (CfA): CfA provides fellows with access to openAFRICA data teams, iLAB forensic investigators, and various other networks focused on civic tech, fact-checking, and environmental monitoring.
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AfricTivistes: A pan-African network dedicated to advancing grassroots digital activism and building tools to fight disinformation and promote governance accountability.
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European Partnership for Democracy (EPD): Drives policy reforms and global engagement for digital rights, connecting youth leaders with AU and ECOWAS platforms.
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Canal France International (CFI): Supports media integrity by training journalists in the Sahel to combat misinformation and enhance human rights reporting.
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World Scout Bureau Africa (WOSM): Accelerates youth skills development, teaching digital literacy and AI basics in underserved communities.
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Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF): Mentors activists to promote ethical AI governance aligned with AU standards and advocates for digital rights on global platforms.
Final Thoughts
The AI for Good Fellowship 2025 presents an exciting opportunity for African technologists to make a significant impact in the field of human rights and AI. By joining this transformative cohort, fellows will gain valuable mentorship, collaborate with regional and global experts, and contribute to scalable solutions that empower HRDs and communities in the Sahel. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this innovative initiative—apply by April 14, 2025, and take the first step toward making a lasting impact on the future of digital democracy.