The Digitalize Youth consortium, through Code for Africa (CfA), is offering six fellowships to technologists in Africa to work with human rights defending (HRD) organizations to assist them in rapidly scaling up their interventions through the savvy use of AI technology. The HRDs will be located in the Sahel, as well as neighbouring countries in West and East Africa, so familiarity with the region is a must.
Under this fellowship, technologists will support HRDs to build on their existing AI-based initiatives and resources or develop new tools or solutions. Fellows must therefore have proven experience in AI/ML prompt engineering or modelling, and a strong commitment to human rights and ethical AI. Activities will include co-designing AI tools with HRDs, ensuring ethical compliance in AI deployments, and generating actionable insights to inform policy and advocacy.
Eligibility Requirements
Code for Africa (CfA) seeks problem-solvers with:
Social Impact – Demonstrated experience in developing AI-driven solutions that enhance civic information, support human rights defenders, or address societal challenges.
Data Fluency – Expertise in collecting, cleaning, and analysing socio-economic or environmental datasets.
Design Thinking – Skill in co-creating solutions with communities and CSOs.
Prototyping Experience – Track record of testing AI solutions in resource-constrained settings.
Scalability Planning – Ability to design tools for broad adoption across diverse regions.
Technical Proficiency – Experience in AI modelling (NLP, computer vision, predictive analytics).
Ethical AI Practices – Commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in AI design.
Collaboration Skills – Experience working with policymakers or grassroots organisations.
Fluency in either English/French/Arabic
Familiarity with open-source tools and open-data principles.
Applicants must demonstrate ties to African communities.
Selected fellows will receive support from CfA’s TechLab, DataLab, and AI Sandbox, alongside mentorship from global AI experts, CSOs, and policymakers. Partners include climate resilience networks, public health organizations, and digital rights advocates, providing resources for prototyping, testing, and scaling solutions.
Stipend: $500/month
Duration: Four months
Mentorship: Guidance from CfA’s TechLab and support from partner institutions at the Digitalize Youth consortium.
Network: Collaborate with the consortium and its regional networks.
Real world impact: Opportunity to work with HRD organizations to implement solutions to existing challenges.
Showcase: Present capstone projects to local, national, continental, and global partnersand at events.
