Applications Open: Pan-African PhD Scholars Collective on AI and the Digital Economy

Are you a PhD scholar in Africa researching Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its affect on the digital financial system, employment, and the future of labor? Do you wish to be part of a dynamic, paid analysis community that’s shaping Africa’s digital transformation?

The Mastercard Foundation Learning Partnership, in collaboration with Caribou Digital, invites purposes for the Pan-African PhD Scholars Collective—an initiative designed to raise the voices of African girls researchers exploring AI’s function in shaping financial alternatives and digital transformation on the continent.

Why Join the Africa AI Women Research Collective?

This distinctive program offers:

• Funding & Research Support – Scholars obtain a $5,000 stipend for participation. Additional funding of as much as $2,000 is accessible for journey, analysis, and modifying.
• Mentorship & Career Development – Monthly peer-to-peer studying classes and one-on-one mentorship from main AI and gender students.
• Networking & Exposure – Opportunities to current at worldwide conferences and collaborate with high researchers.
• Publication & Recognition – Guidance on publishing analysis in high educational journals and non-academic platforms, culminating in an edited quantity in 2026.
• Leadership Opportunities – Become a thought chief in AI, digital coverage, and innovation in Africa.

Who Should Apply?

This program is searching for seven excellent African girls students who:

✔ Are African nationals or everlasting residents enrolled in an English-speaking PhD program at an African college.
✔ Are beneath the age of 40.
✔ Have analysis pursuits in AI and the digital financial system, together with subjects equivalent to youth employment, innovation, and coverage.
✔ Are enthusiastic about influencing AI coverage and discussions in Africa.

Research Topics & Focus Areas

The program will help students in exploring AI’s affect on youth livelihoods and financial alternatives in Africa. Research areas might embody:

• AI & Youth Employment – How does AI have an effect on the transition from college to work?
• AI & Women’s Economic Empowerment – Can AI drive inclusive alternatives for African girls?
• AI & Intersectionality – How does AI affect marginalized teams, together with these with disabilities and these in rural areas?
• AI & The Future of Work – What will jobs in Africa appear to be in 2030 in an AI-driven financial system?
• AI & Digital Entrepreneurship – How can AI help younger African entrepreneurs and MSMEs?
• AI & Education – How is AI reworking expertise growth for youth, girls, and underserved communities?

Program Timeline and Structure

Selection – A cohort of seven researchers can be chosen by April 2025.
Research & Mentorship – Monthly mentorship classes, peer studying, and publication help.
Publishing & Conferences – Researchers will publish their findings and current at worldwide conferences. The program can even help an edited quantity on AI and inclusive digital economies in 2026.
Long-Term Impact – The community will discover methods to proceed engagement past 2026.

Click on “Apply to position”
Application Deadline: March 23, 2025

About Caribou Digital and the Mastercard Foundation Learning Partnership

Caribou Digital is a world consultancy that companions with foundations, companies, and governments to create affect in a digital world. With experience in technique design, program administration, and analysis, Caribou Digital works towards constructing inclusive and sustainable digital economies.

The Mastercard Foundation Learning Partnership explores digital transformation in Africa, supporting analysis and coverage efforts that empower younger individuals. The partnership fosters networks of African researchers and thought leaders driving finest practices in AI, expertise growth, and digital inclusion.

If you might be an African lady PhD scholar enthusiastic about AI and its affect on financial alternatives, this is a chance to contribute to groundbreaking analysis whereas shaping Africa’s digital future. Apply right this moment!