Artificial Intelligence for Development in Africa (AI4D Africa) 2020 Research for African Countries

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) invite proposals from independent policy research organizations from across the African continent that are committed to using research to inform and influence national-level artificial intelligence (AI) policies and research ecosystems. This funding opportunity will provide funding to two (2) AI policy research organizations representing distinct linguistic regions (anglophone and francophone).

• Table of Content
• About Artificial Intelligence for Development in Africa (AI4D Africa)
• AI4D Africa Research
• Aim and Benefits of AI4D Africa Research
• Requirements for AI4D Africa Research Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Artificial Intelligence for Development in Africa (AI4D Africa)

The Artificial Intelligence for Development in Africa (AI4D Africa) program is dedicated to a future where Africans across all regions create and use artificial intelligence (AI) to lead healthier, happier and greener lives.

AI4D Africa Research

Aim and Benefits of AI4D Africa Research

CA$2.5 million for 2 centres

Requirements for AI4D Africa Research Qualification

This call for proposals is open to established research organizations from eligible countries across the African continent with strong research and policy engagement track records in the subjects that are critical for responsible AI. Only institutions that meet the eligibility criteria outlined here should submit proposals for possible funding.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Possess a track record of research and analysis on the governance of digital technologies, and experience with developing and giving input on digital policies and regulations in a national and/or regional context. This includes experience with the cluster of issues that intersect with AI and the digital ecosystem;
• Applicants must demonstrate subject area expertise in at least three of the main AI policy and research themes listed in policy research areas below and show capacity and drive to augment work in other critical areas. Given the complexity of AI policy issues, this precludes institutions that focus exclusively on one sector or policy issue; and
• Be committed to using research to inform national (and regional) public debates and to create spaces for discussion and new ideas.

Final decisions will be based on selecting one Centre from each linguistic category.

Institutions must at the minimum:

• Be legally registered in the country of operation;
• Have and provide audited financial statements;
• Have a Board of Directors and a chief executive that is accountable to the Board;
• Have ethics protocols in place for research;
• Have the ability to convene researchers from other countries in the region;
• Be a non-governmental, non-profit independent organization;
• Not depend exclusively on the government for funding;
• Carry out policy-oriented research;
• Carry out “multi-sector” research on advanced technology policy issues that brings together social and economic policy issues.

Organizations must be currently existing policy research organizations. Funding will not be provided for the creation of new centres/think tanks, nor to centres created for the purpose of applying for a grant from this initiative.

The desired outcomes include credible research, strong organizational performance, high quality research and policy planning capacity with demonstrated impact on AI policies and improved policy engagement.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Proposals will be submitted via baobab.ai4d.ai. You will need to create an account, which will allow you to access your application as many times as you need until you decide to submit. You will also need additional information and documentation to complete the proposal, including examples of your research and policy work and the CVs of your research team.

For more details, visit AI4D Africa website.