Deadline: March 23, 2025
Are you pursuing a PhD in an African university? Are you passionate about Artificial Intelligence (AI), the digital economy, and the future of work in Africa? Do you want to be part of a paid collaborative research network that will shape the continent’s digital transformation? Applications are open for the Pan-African Women PhD Scholars Collective in AI & Livelihoods 2025.
The Mastercard Foundation Learning Partnership in collaboration with Caribou Digital, invites applications for the Pan-African PhD Scholars Collective. This initiative will build a dynamic collective of African women PhD researchers exploring AI’s role in shaping economic opportunities, youth employment, and digital transformation in Africa.
Research Topics
The collective will explore scholars’s existing research in AI’s impact on youth livelihoods and economic opportunities in Africa. Potential topics might include:
- AI & Youth Employment: How does AI change the school-to-work transition in Africa?
- AI & Women’s Economic Empowerment: How can AI drive inclusive opportunities for women on the African continent?
- AI & Intersectionality: How might AI and youth livelihoods impact on those living with disabilities, or in non-urban areas? How might they contribute to building relevant AI?
- AI & The Future of Work: What will working in Africa look like in 2030 in an AI-driven age?
- AI & Digital Entrepreneurship: How can AI support young African entrepreneurs and MSMEs?
- AI & Education: How is AI transforming skills development for youth, women, and underserved groups?
Benefits
This program is designed to elevate the voices of African women PhD scholars in AI and the digital economy, providing:
- Funding & Research Support – Scholars will receive a stipend of $5,000 for their participation. Additionally, up to $2,000 in funding is available to support travel, research, and editing in 2025-2026. Access to these funds requires a separate application and approval process after scholars have been selected.
- Mentorship & Career Development – Peer-to-peer learning in a monthly group and one-on-one monthly mentorship from Gender & AI academic.
- Networking & Exposure – Support to present at international conferences and collaborate with top researchers on the continent and beyond.
- Publication & Recognition – Guidance to publish research in top academic journals as well as non-academic audiences, including an edited volume in 2026.
- Leadership Opportunities – Become a thought leader in AI, digital policy, and innovation in Africa.
Eligibility
They are looking for 7 exceptional women scholars who:
- Are African nationals or permanent residents enrolled in an English-speaking PhD program at an African university.
- Are below the age of 40.
- Have research interests in AI & digital economies, such as youth employment, and innovation in an AI age.
- Are passionate about shaping policies and discussions on AI in Africa.
Application
Apply by March 23, 2025. The cohort of 7 researchers will be selected by April 2025.
For more information, visit Pan-African Women PhD Scholars Collective in AI & Livelihoods.
