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: Oct 31, 2025 Donor: T-Hub Grant Type: Awards, Prizes and Challenges Grant Size: $1000 to $10,000 Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Businesses, Companies and Enterprises, Startups, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Marketing, Technology Maruti Suzuki, India's leading automotive manufacturer, in collaboration with T-Hub, invites mature startups working on cutting-edge technology to participate in the Mobility Challenge 4.0 program. For more information, visit https://programs.t-hub.co/mobility-challenge/?utm_source=X Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/maruti-suzuki-mobility-challenge-40-for-innovative-startups-india Read more

Deadline: Aug 11, 2025 Donor: The Fashion Academy Abuja Grant Type: Training Grant Size: Not Available Countries/Regions: Nigeria Area: Business & Industry, Businesses, Companies and Enterprises, Entrepreneurship, Innovation The Fashion Academy Abuja Fashion Academy Abuja Training Programme is now open to bridge skill gaps and empower the next generation of fashion innovators with technical expertise and business acumen. For more information, visit https://clap.gov.ng/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/fashion-academy-abuja-training-programme-nigeria Read more

Deadline: Aug 15, 2025 Donor: City of Joburg Grant Type: Awards, Prizes and Challenges Grant Size: Not Available Countries/Regions: South Africa Area: Businesses, Companies and Enterprises, Community Development, Infrastructure, Employment & Labor, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, Technology Got a smart solution for townships or service delivery? Submit your idea for the Inaugural SA Intercity Innovation Challenge 2025. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/CityofJoburg/photos/got-a-smart-solution-for-townships-or-service-delivery-submit-your-idea-for-the-/1164298809064599/?_rdr Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/south-african-intercity-innovation-challenge-2025 Read more

Please join us for a panel discussion with our distinguished panelists, Professors Catherine Ngila, Ibraheem T. Badejo, Veronica Okello, Lucie T. Tchouassi, and Wunmi Sadik who will be sharing their expertise on "African Women in Science and Technology" Sunday, July 27, 202511 AM Austin5 PM Nigeria6 PM South Africa Register Here:https://www.tfinterviews.com/post/africanwomenscitech Join via Zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84207007757    Read more

Deadline: Sep 30, 2025 Donor: International Orthodontics Foundation Grant Type: Grant Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000 Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Innovation, Research, Science, Technology The Advanced Innovation Grants (AIG) supports projects beyond early stages, enabling larger-scale applications and multicenter research. For more information, visit https://researchgrants.iofglobal.org/v3/advanced/innovation Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/call-for-proposals-advanced-innovation-grants Read more

Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 Donor: International Orthodontics Foundation Grant Type: Grant Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000 Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Individuals, Researchers, Innovation, Research The Emerging Innovation Grants (EIG) provide seed funding for novel ideas and pioneering research at various stages of development, with the goal of fostering groundbreaking advancements in orthodontics. For more information, visit https://researchgrants.iofglobal.org/v3/emerging/innovation Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/request-for-proposals-emerging-innovation-grants Read more

Deadline: Sep 01, 2025 Donor: Eva Crane Grant Type: Grant Grant Size: $1000 to $10,000 Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Innovation, Research The Eva Crane Trust is accepting grant applications to foster innovative projects and collaborations that explore and expand knowledge in apology, beekeeping practices, and the historical significance of bees. For more information, visit https://www.evacranetrust.org/en/page/apply-for-funding Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/apply-for-eva-crane-trust-grant-program Read more

Deadline: Sep 22, 2025 Donor: Epic Games Grant Type: Grant Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000 Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Business & Industry, Individuals, Innovation, Technology Applications are now open for the Epic MegaGrants Program that invests in promising new projects from their community as they push real-time 3D development to new heights. For more information, visit https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/megagrants Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/call-for-applications-epic-megagrants-program 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: Jul 25, 2025 Donor: Aichi Prefecture Grant Type: Events Grant Size: Not Available Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Business & Industry, Startups, Environment, Innovation, Manufacturing, Technology Deliver the solutions of tomorrow – Aichi Prefecture is looking for startups with innovative environmental sustainability/GX and manufacturing solutions to collaborate with leading companies! For more information, visit https://aichi-landing-pad.agorize.com/en/challenges/edition-2025 Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/Landing-Pad-Business-Matchmaking-Program-2025 Read more

Deadline: Dec 31, 2025 Donor: Mastercard Grant Type: Events Grant Size: Not Available Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Fintech, Startups, Innovation Applications are now open for Mastercard’s Start Path Emerging Fintech Program for innovative later-stage startups from across the globe. For more information, visit https://www.mastercard.com/global/en/business/fintech/fintech-programs/startpath/for-startups/emerging-fintech.html Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/request-for-applications-start-path-emerging-fintech-program Read more