Applications are open for the Masakhane African Languages Hub Grant, a funding opportunity that supports innovators, researchers, and technologists working to strengthen African language technologies. The grant is aimed at advancing natural language processing (NLP), digital tools, datasets, and research that amplify the reach and usability of African languages online and in technology systems.
Why This Grant Matters
African languages are spoken by millions across the continent, yet they are underrepresented in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and language technology platforms. This gap limits accessibility to information, education, services, and economic opportunities for speakers of these languages.
The Masakhane African Languages Hub Grant supports efforts to build locally relevant technology solutions — such as translation models, speech recognition tools, educational datasets, and AI systems — that reflect the richness and diversity of African linguistic heritage.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
This grant is designed for individuals and organisations who are actively working on, or planning, projects related to African language technology. Ideal applicants include:
✔ Researchers and academics with projects in African languages, computational linguistics, or AI
✔ Tech developers and engineers building tools that incorporate or enable African languages
✔ Startups and nonprofits developing language datasets, apps, or educational tools
✔ Collaborative teams that include language experts, community stakeholders, and technologists
There are no restrictions on geographic location of applicants, though projects must demonstrate clear relevance to African languages and communities.
What the Grant Supports (Benefits)
Selected grant recipients may receive the following support:
💰 Project Funding
Financial support to develop, scale, or refine language technology tools, datasets, or research outputs.
🛠 Technical Resources
Access to relevant computational infrastructure, data resources, and development support where applicable.
🤝 Community & Collaboration
Opportunity to engage with a pan-African network of language technologists, researchers, and advocates.
📣 Visibility & Showcase
Potential features in Masakhane’s platforms, publications, and community showcases that help attract further interest, partnerships, and impact.
Focus Areas (Types of Projects Supported)
Masakhane’s Hub Grant typically supports projects in:
- Machine translation and cross-lingual tools for African languages
- Speech processing and voice technology in local languages
- Datasets and corpora focused on under-resourced languages
- Educational technology that supports language learning and literacy
- Research and publications that advance understanding of language tech for African contexts
Projects that demonstrate community impact, sustainability, and technical feasibility are particularly competitive.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official grant page:
👉 https://www.masakhane.io/masakhane-african-languages-hub/grants - Review the eligibility criteria and grant guidelines on the page.
- Prepare your project summary:
- Description of your idea or technology
- Objectives, target languages, and communities served
- Technical approach and tools required
- Expected outcomes and impact
- Complete the online application form with accurate details.
- Submit before the deadline indicated on the website.
Make sure your application reflects both technical soundness and community relevance.
