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?
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 Focus
- 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?
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Pan-African Women PhD Scholars Collective in AI & Livelihoods
| Application Deadline | 23 Mar 2025 |
| Type | PhD |
| Sponsor | Caribou Digital |
| Gender | Women |
Aim and Benefits of Pan-African Women PhD Scholars Collective in AI & Livelihoods
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.
Requirements for Pan-African Women PhD Scholars Collective in AI & Livelihoods Qualification
We 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.
Interview date, Process and Venue for Pan-African Women PhD Scholars Collective in AI & Livelihoods
Program Details
The cohort of 7 researchers will be selected by April 2025.
- Research & Mentorship: Monthly mentorship sessions, peer-to-peer learning, and publication support.
- Publishing & Conferences: Selected researchers will publish their findings and present at global conferences. We will also support you in publishing an edited volume on AI and inclusive digital economies in 2026.
- Growing the Network: We will configure ways to stay in touch beyond 2026.
Application Deadline
March 23, 2025How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
Caribou Digital on caribou-digital.breezy.hr to apply
For more details, visit Caribou Digital program webpage
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