Apply for the Women in AI Fellowship 2026: USD 5,000 Funding for Women PhD Researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa @Saharan Africa

Women researchers across Sub-Saharan Africa have an exciting opportunity to advance their doctoral studies through the Women in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Doctoral Fellowship 2026.

Designed to support the next generation of women leaders in AI and machine learning, the fellowship provides research funding, mentorship, technical training, and access to an international network of researchers and practitioners.

Applications are currently open, with interested candidates encouraged to apply before the 31 July 2026 deadline.

About the Women in AI Fellowship

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are rapidly transforming industries and research fields worldwide, influencing everything from healthcare and climate action to education, economics, governance, and public policy. Despite these advances, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in AI-related disciplines and leadership positions.

The Women in AI/ML Doctoral Fellowship seeks to address this gap by empowering outstanding women scholars who are integrating AI and machine learning methodologies into their doctoral research.

The fellowship is designed to strengthen women’s participation in computational and data-driven research while supporting innovative projects that generate societal, scientific, and development impact.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to women who meet the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled in or admitted to a PhD programme at an accredited institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Conducting research in social sciences or related disciplines.
• Demonstrating a clear intention to integrate AI and machine learning methodologies into their doctoral research.

Eligible fields include:

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Economics
• Public Health
• Environmental Science
• Sociology
• Demography
• Development Studies
• Political Science
• Data Science
• Other related disciplines

Applicants must create a profile on the KAIA Network platform and submit their fellowship application through the network to be considered eligible.

Fellowship Benefits

The Women in AI Fellowship offers comprehensive support designed to strengthen both research capacity and professional development.

1. Research Grant of USD 5,000

Selected fellows will receive a one-time research grant worth USD 5,000.

Funding may be used for:

• Tuition expenses
• Computing resources and software
• Data acquisition and analysis
• AI/ML mentorship support
• Research-related travel and fieldwork
• Other approved doctoral research expenses

Technical AI/ML Support Through the KAIA Network

The fellowship goes beyond financial support by connecting participants with a growing interdisciplinary AI research ecosystem.

Through the KAIA Network, fellows will receive:

• Matching with AI/ML collaborators.
• Access to AI engineers, data scientists, and social science researchers.
• Capacity-building workshops and seminars.
• Technical training opportunities.
• Increased visibility for their research projects.

This collaborative model helps researchers strengthen technical skills while expanding the impact of their work.

Professional Development and Global Networking

Fellows will become part of an international community of researchers working at the intersection of AI, machine learning, and social impact.

Participants will benefit from:

• Global networking opportunities.
• Interdisciplinary knowledge exchange.
• Research presentation opportunities.
• Participation in KAIA-hosted seminars and events.
• Engagement with universities, UN agencies, development organizations, and civil society partners.

The fellowship aims to support both academic excellence and long-term leadership development in emerging AI fields.

Knowledge Sharing and Research Impact

As part of the fellowship, successful candidates will contribute to open and accessible knowledge creation.

Fellows will be expected to:

• Produce at least one open-access research output.
• Publish a reflective article or blog through the KAIA Network.
• Present findings through webinars or seminar series.
• Contribute to broader discussions on ethical and inclusive AI innovation.

Eligible outputs may include:

• Working papers
• Datasets
• Software packages
• Technical reports
• Research publications

This component ensures that fellowship-supported research contributes to public knowledge and broader societal impact.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The rapid growth of AI technologies presents enormous opportunities for solving complex social, economic, and environmental challenges. However, ensuring that women are represented in shaping these technologies remains a critical global priority.

By investing in women researchers across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Women in AI Fellowship seeks to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive AI ecosystem while strengthening research capacity across the continent.

The fellowship also provides a valuable platform for women scholars to develop technical expertise, establish international collaborations, and contribute innovative solutions to pressing development challenges.

Application Details

Fellowship: Women in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Doctoral Fellowship 2026

Eligibility: Women PhD Students in Sub-Saharan Africa

Funding Amount: USD 5,000

Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

Host Organizations: The New School and KAIA Network

Application Requirement: Applicants must create a KAIA Network profile and submit their application through the platform.

Final Thoughts

The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 represents an outstanding opportunity for women doctoral researchers seeking to integrate AI and machine learning into their research while gaining access to funding, mentorship, technical support, and global professional networks. For aspiring leaders in AI-driven research across Africa, this fellowship offers the tools, resources, and connections needed to make meaningful contributions to science, society, and sustainable development.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding

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