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African Futures Research Leadership Program - Cohort 6 Call for Applicants

AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS, CULTURE AND SOCIETY, HEALTH AND NUTRITION, WATER, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT, YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, EDUCATION, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, OTHER
Due Date: 21/11/2025

AAP AFRICAN FUTURES RESEARCH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM 

Artificial Intelligence in Africa: Transdisciplinary Innovations for Sustainable Futures

Cohort 6 Call for Applicants 

Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) invites applications for the sixth cohort of the African Futures Research Leadership Program. This competitive visiting scholar program supports early career researchers from AAP consortium universities to collaborate for one year with faculty members at Michigan State University (MSU) and their home institutions. The program focuses on strengthening skills in impactful research, curriculum development, innovative teaching, scholarly and policy writing, dissemination of research results, and grant proposal development. Scholars will also participate in a structured professional development program while building meaningful and lasting connections with MSU faculty and fellow scholars.

The primary goal of the African Futures Program is to strengthen the capacity of emerging African researchers to become scientific leaders in their communities. The program seeks to foster long-term partnerships with MSU faculty, co-create innovative solutions to Africa’s challenges, and cultivate the next generation of research mentors and leaders.

AAP invites applications from early career researchers to join the upcoming cohort, which will begin virtually in February 2026. Scholars will spend September through December 2026 at MSU for the in-person phase of the program, followed by continued virtual collaboration through early 2027. Each scholar will receive a small grant to support research, teaching, and professional development activities, including conference participation and publication. Scholars will also receive a stipend during their time at MSU, visa support, and round-trip travel from their home institution.

Potential Teaching and Research Areas 

The 2026 theme, “Artificial Intelligence in Africa: Transdisciplinary Innovations for Sustainable Futures,” highlights the potential of AI to address Africa’s most critical challenges and opportunities. AI research must be ethical, contextualized, and socially responsible, drawing insights from science, engineering, the arts, business, culture, and society. In addition to thematic research, scholars will contribute to the development of curricula for a transdisciplinary doctoral program in AI in Africa and explore innovations in teaching and learning.

We particularly encourage cross-disciplinary projects exploring AI’s transformative potential in:

  • Agri-food systems – leveraging AI for food security, sustainable agriculture, and resilient supply chains
  • Health and nutrition – applying AI in disease prevention, diagnostics, personalized medicine, and strengthening health systems
  • Climate change, water, energy, and environment – using AI for mitigation, adaptation, monitoring, and sustainable resource management
  • Ethics, governance, and society – integrating human rights, accountability, and inclusivity in AI design and deployment
  • Culture and the arts – examining how AI interacts with African languages, creative expression, heritage preservation, and digital storytelling
  • Engineering and science – developing AI-driven technologies suited to African contexts
  • Education – enhancing equitable access to learning, bridging digital divides, and improving pedagogy through AI
  • Business and entrepreneurship – fostering inclusive growth, financial technologies, and youth-led AI innovations to shape Africa’s digital future

Through transdisciplinary collaboration, the program aims to promote AI research and teaching that bridges technical and social disciplines, ensuring innovation reflects Africa’s diverse values and aspirations.

Program Benefits 

  • Professional Development – Structured workshops on equitable partnerships, teaching innovation, academic time management, proposal development, budgeting, and research communication to enhance research, teaching, writing, and leadership skills
  • Leadership Development – A research leadership retreat focused on building leadership competencies, self-reflection, and career development for research advancement
  • Collaboration Networks – Each scholar will collaborate with MSU and home institution partners. Collaborators may conduct reciprocal one-week visits. Scholars will also join AAP’s network of researchers at MSU, across Africa, and globally to foster lasting institutional partnerships

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the program, each scholar and their team are expected to achieve at least:

  • Submission or publication of one to three joint manuscripts
  • Submission of at least one grant proposal
  • Presentation at one or more academic or professional conferences

Collaborations are designed to extend beyond the program’s duration. Scholars are encouraged to engage broadly with MSU faculty and maintain partnerships after completion. Participants must submit regular progress reports to AAP and their home institution focal point. Failure to meet program or partnership expectations may result in early termination.

Eligibility 

  • Citizenship in an African country
  • PhD awarded within the last 10 years
  • Current employment as Academic Staff at one of the AAP African member universities including Egerton University, Makerere University, University of Dar es Salaam, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Botswana, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Yambo Ouologuem University of Bamako, United States International University-Africa, or University of Pretoria

  • Official approval of leave or sabbatical for the in-person phase

  • A home institution partner committed to collaborating throughout the program
  • Research aligned with the program’s thematic areas, focusing on AI in Africa
  • Submission of only one proposal per applicant in this round of funding

Application Requirements 

  • An updated CV outlining professional accomplishments
  • A one-page letter of interest detailing alignment with program priorities, research approach, and potential societal impact
  • Names of up to three potential MSU faculty collaborators (identified from MSU department websites; applicants should not contact faculty directly—AAP will initiate contact)
  • Two relevant peer-reviewed publications
  • Two professional references providing context on the relationship and an assessment of the applicant’s expertise
  • A one-page letter from the home institution collaborator confirming willingness to participate and travel to MSU for collaboration
  • A one-page endorsement letter from the Head of Department approving leave
  • A one-page letter of support from the institution’s AAP Focal Point

Selection Criteria: 

  • Professional merit, scientific ability, and potential for career impact (evaluated through CV, publications, letters, and references)
  • Institutional assurance of continued employment and support post-fellowship
  • Commitment to return to the home country after the fellowship
  • Consideration for diversity across disciplines, institutions, and regions. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate transdisciplinary approaches integrating technology, culture, ethics, and societal impact

Applications are due on November 21, 2025  

Apply: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVb2iErQhRpmAPs


For questions, please contact José Jackson-Malete at jacks184@msu.edu or +1-517-884-8587.

 

Carnegie Corporation of New York logo
This project is made possible with the philanthropic support of Carnegie Corporation of New York

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