Africa Opens Multi-Million Dollar AI Research Fund to Bridge Digital Gap

Africa is home to nearly 18% of the world’s population, yet it accounts for less than 1% of global data centre capacity. At the same time, only around 40% of Africans have access to the internet, highlighting a significant digital divide in computing infrastructure, connectivity, and digital skills. A new continent-wide research funding initiative aims to help close that gap by supporting innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.

CA$12 Million Available for Research

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), a coalition of 20 national science funding councils across sub-Saharan Africa, has launched a call for Expressions of Interest under the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034 (STISA-2034).

Among the five funding themes is Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies, which seeks to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation through collaborative research and innovation.

The programme will support projects in two key areas:

• AI applications: Developing and scaling AI solutions that address challenges in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and environmental management, while also strengthening the use of AI in scientific research.
• Skills and entrepreneurship: Expanding STEM and AI training opportunities for young people, women, and researchers, alongside supporting digital and AI-driven startups across the continent.

Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with existing continental initiatives, including the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy and programmes led by AUDA-NEPAD.

To qualify, each consortium must include at least three institutions from three eligible SGCI member countries participating in the AI funding stream, including Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania. Lead applicants and partners may include public and private universities, research institutions, and government research organisations.

Each participating institution can apply for funding ranging from CA$50,000 to CA$300,000, with successful projects expected to run for up to 36 months.

Application deadline: September 25, 2026. Apply Here