The Digitalize Youth consortium, in collaboration with Code for Africa (CfA), is offering an incredible opportunity for six talented technologists across Africa to work with human rights defending (HRD) organizations.
The goal? To help these organizations rapidly expand their efforts by utilizing cutting-edge AI technology.
This fellowship is specifically targeting HRDs located in the Sahel and neighboring regions in West and East Africa, so a good understanding of the local context is crucial.
The Fellowship Overview
This fellowship offers a unique chance to support HRDs in enhancing their AI-based initiatives or create new tools to address critical human rights challenges.
Fellows will need to have solid experience in AI and machine learning, specifically in prompt engineering or modeling.
The work will involve co-designing AI tools, ensuring they adhere to ethical standards, and generating insights that can inform advocacy and policy work.
If you’re passionate about human rights and ethical AI, this could be the perfect fit for you.
Who Should Apply?
Code for Africa is looking for individuals who have the skills and experience to tackle big problems and make a real difference.
Here’s a breakdown of the qualities and skills CfA is seeking in applicants:
Social Impact Focus
Applicants should have a track record of using AI to drive social good—whether that’s by enhancing civic information, supporting HRDs, or addressing broader societal challenges.
Data Expertise
You should be comfortable working with data—whether it’s collecting, cleaning, or analyzing socio-economic or environmental datasets.
The ability to handle and interpret complex data is key to success in this role.
Design Thinking and Community Collaboration
Experience in co-designing solutions with communities or civil society organizations (CSOs) is essential. This role involves working closely with HRDs, so you should be adept at developing solutions in partnership with those on the ground.
Prototyping and Scalability
Fellows should be able to create AI solutions that are testable in real-world conditions, particularly in resource-limited settings. Experience designing scalable tools that can be used across different regions will be an asset.
Technical Skills in AI/ML
A strong background in AI modeling (including natural language processing, computer vision, and predictive analytics) is a must.
You should be familiar with the technical side of AI and its application in real-world scenarios.
Commitment to Ethical AI
A firm commitment to ethical AI practices—ensuring fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in AI designs—is essential for this fellowship.
Collaboration and Language Proficiency
Applicants should have experience working collaboratively with policymakers, grassroots organizations, or other stakeholders.
Fluency in English, French, or Arabic is required, and familiarity with open-source tools and data principles will be a plus.
Fellowship Location and Regional Focus
This fellowship is open to applicants who have ties to African communities and will be working on projects in the following countries: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Guinea, Benin, Togo, Cameroon, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
What’s in It for You?
Selected fellows will receive invaluable support from CfA’s TechLab, DataLab, and AI Sandbox.
You will also have access to mentorship from global AI experts and professionals from CSOs and policymaking circles.
Additionally, fellows will work alongside networks of partners, including those focused on climate resilience, public health, and digital rights.
Fellowship Details:
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Stipend: $500 per month
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Duration: Four months
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Mentorship: Support from CfA’s TechLab and partner institutions
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Networking: Collaborate with the Digitalize Youth consortium and regional networks
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Real-World Impact: Implement AI solutions with HRD organizations to address current challenges
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Showcase: Present your work to a broad audience, including local, national, and global stakeholders at various events
How to Apply
If you’re ready to make a tangible impact and help scale up human rights defense efforts through AI, this fellowship could be your opportunity.
Applications are open now, with a deadline of April 14, 2025.
This fellowship is your chance to contribute to the intersection of AI, human rights, and social impact in one of the most dynamic regions of the world.
Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something impactful and innovative.