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.   This project is made possible with the philanthropic support of Carnegie Corporation of New York Read more

Deadline: Sep 30, 2025 Donor: Kenya Community Development Foundation Grant Type: Awards, Prizes and Challenges Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000 Countries/Regions: Kenya Area: Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Capacity Building, Community Development, Education, Learning, Climate Change, Conservation, Energy, Environment, Natural Resources, Individuals, Youth, Innovation, Livelihood, Sustainable Development, Youth & Adolescents The Young Environmentalist Innovative Challenge invites submissions of innovative solutions that inculcate the spirit of environmental conservation and sustainable management. For more information, visit https://kcdf.or.ke/our-focus-areas/community-led-development/environmentalist-innovative-challenge-yeic/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/entries-open-for-young-environmentalist-innovative-challenge-kenya Read more

Deadline: Jul 30, 2025 Donor: Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition Grant Type: Training Grant Size: $1000 to $10,000 Countries/Regions: Kenya Area: Financial Management, Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Food Safety, Nutrition, Businesses, Companies and Enterprises, Entrepreneurship Submissions are now open for the Nutrition Impact at Scale Incubation Program that is a powerful crash course on entrepreneurship – as well as adapting a nutrition lens the business. For more information, visit https://gain.nakurubox.co.ke/incubation/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/nutrition-impact-at-scale-incubation-program-2025-kenya Read more

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is an educational methodology focused on fostering online intercultural learning experiences within universities in different countries. MSU’s Center for Global Learning and Innovation, Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), and African Studies Center (ASC) anticipate welcoming to the third cohort of the COIL Faculty Fellows Program-Africa a mix of bilateral and trilateral COIL projects. Prior experience in COIL is not required; faculty from any discipline are welcome!   https://globalyouth.isp.msu.edu/partnerships/coil/coil-faculty-fellows-program-africa/coil-faculty-fellows-cohort-3/ Read more

Deadline: Aug 15, 2025 Donor: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Grant Type: Grant Grant Size: Not Available Countries/Regions: Botswana, Cote DIvoire (Ivory Coast), Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe Area: Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Business & Industry, Businesses, Companies and Enterprises The Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) supports and enables Irish and African companies to realise their ambition of doing business together in Africa, through matched grant funding for feasibility studies and full commercial projects. For more information, visit https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-foreign-affairs/services/apply-for-aadp/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/apply-now-africa-agrifood-development-programme Read more

Deadline: Jul 18, 2025 Donor: Agribusiness Development Agency Grant Type: Grant Grant Size: Not Available Countries/Regions: South Africa Area: Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Businesses, Companies and Enterprises, Black The Agribusiness Development Agency (ADA) presents an opportunity for Registered Black owned Agribusinesses operating within the KZN Province to apply for project funding for the 2026/27 financial year. For more information, visit https://ada-kzn.co.za/download/call-for-applications-for-agribusiness-project-funding-for-2026-27/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/Request-for-Proposals-Agribusiness-Project-Funding-south-Africa Read more

Deadline: Jun 16, 2025 Donor: Thebe Foundation Trust Grant Type: Events Grant Size: Not Available Countries/Regions: South Africa Area: Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Businesses, Companies and Enterprises, Entrepreneurship, Construction, Equipment, Medical and Ancillary Services, Logistics, Transportation The Centre for Entrepreneurship within the Johannesburg Business School, in partnership with THEBE Foundation Trust, invites entrepreneurs to apply for the Enterprise Development Programme 2025 Cohort and Supplier Development Programme 2025 Cohort. For more information, visit https://www.linkedin.com/posts/thebe-foundation-trust_edp-and-sdp-activity-7333431426656141312-EANK?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFDSa6EBcRDQnMdlNWVw4kfjCXsahsGn8m4 Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/cfas-supplier-development-programme-and-enterprise-development-programme-South-Africa Read more

Deadline: Aug 01, 2025 Donor: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership Grant Type: Grant Grant Size: More than $1 million Countries/Regions: Tanzania Area: Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Businesses, Companies and Enterprises, Energy, Technology, Transportation The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership invites interested private sector agribusinesses and technology providing companies to submit their application to the PURE Growth Fund, which is focused on incentivising PURE technologies deployed in agri-food value chains. For more information, visit https://reeep.org/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/now-open-pure-growth-fund-in-Tanzania Read more

Deadline: Jul 01, 2025 Donor: International Organization of the Francophonie Grant Type: Training Grant Size: Not Available Countries/Regions: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote DIvoire (Ivory Coast), Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo Area: Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Business & Industry, Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, Employment & Labor, Energy, Environment, Recycling, Entrepreneurs, Leaders, Innovation, Technology, Sustainable Development, Youth & Adolescents The International Organization of La Francophonie is thrilled to launch a call for applications to offer technical and financial support for scaling up to 50 young innovators and eco-entrepreneurs from West African countries, as part of its projects 15 "Francophone Innovations and Advocacy" and 18 "Support for Structural Transformations in Environmental Matters". For more information, visit https://appelsaprojets.francophonie.org/fr/applications/soutien-aux-jeunes-innovateurs-et-ecoentrepreneurs-afrique-ouest Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/support-for-young-innovators-and-ecoentrepreneurs-from-west-african-countries Read more

Deadline: May 25, 2025 Donor: Grant Type: Grant Grant Size: Not Available Countries/Regions: Kenya Area: Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Capacity Building, Community Development, Community Engagement, Infrastructure, Humanitarian Relief, Livelihood, Peace & Conflict Resolution, Refugee & Asylum Seekers, Gender Equality, Women & Gender The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking proposals for the Community Engagement for Effective Management of Agricultural Infrastructure Program. For more information, visit https://www.unpartnerportal.org/landing/opportunities/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/cfps-community-engagement-for-effective-management-of-agricultural-infrastructure-in-kenya Read more

Deadline: May 25, 2025 Donor: Grant Type: Grant Grant Size: Not Available Countries/Regions: Kenya Area: Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Food Safety, Capacity Building, Climate Change, Natural Resources, Livelihood, Sustainable Development, Water Conservation, Gender Equality, Women & Gender The World Food Programme (WFP) has been actively working in Turkana County to enhance food security, build community resilience, and promote sustainable livelihoods. For more information, visit https://www.unpartnerportal.org/landing/opportunities/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/call-for-eois-ecosystem-restoration-in-turkana-west-kenya Read more

Deadline: May 10, 2025 Donor: National Information Technology Development Agency Grant Type: Training Grant Size: Not Available Countries/Regions: Nigeria Area: Fintech, Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Businesses, Companies and Enterprises, Entrepreneurship, Startups, Education, Health, Information Technology, Innovation, Technology Apply for iHatch’s intensive incubation programme designed to help Nigerian innovators incubate their business venture. For more information, visit https://programs.startup.gov.ng/ihatch/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/ihatch-startup-incubation-program-cohort-4-nigeria Read more