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 26, 2025 Donor: European Commission (EC) Grant Type: Grant Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000 Countries/Regions: Botswana Area: Entrepreneurship, Civil Society Development, Capacity Building, Climate Change, Energy, Environment, Information Technology, Innovation, Sustainable Development, Women & Gender, Youth & Adolescents The European Commission (EC) is calling for proposals to enhance civil society’s contribution in the development of the green and digital transformation in Botswana. For more information, visit https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/online-services/#/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/cfps-support-to-green-and-digital-transformation-in-botswana Read more

Deadline: Aug 20, 2025 Donor: Morris Animal Foundation Grant Type: Training Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000 Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Animals & Wildlife, Community Development, Career Development, Conservation, Environment, Health, PhD Holder, Researchers, Research, Science The Morris Animal Foundation has launched its Wildlife Fellowship Training to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. For more information, visit https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/FY26-AIBS-Wildlife-FT-Proposal-Guidelines.pdf Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/request-for-proposals-wildlife-fellowship-training-2025 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

MAAAS 2025: Democracy and Environmental Justice October 10-11, 2025 Lincoln University Jefferson City, MO   The Mid-America Alliance for African Studies (MAAAS) in collaboration with the Kansas African Studies Center at the University of Kansas, will hold its 2025 conference at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO on October 10-11. Although we invite scholars to submit proposals for individual papers or panels on any topic, we especially welcome contributions that address the conference theme of Democracy and Environmental Justice.  How do struggles for environmental justice intersect with concerns about democracy? Among other intersections, both face threats from the inordinate power that multinational and transnational corporations have exercised over African communities, from representative councils to nation state and regional government bodies. These corporations and neo-colonial governments deploy their power to undermine any regulation, such as environmental protection via democratic process, that would impede their exploitation of natural resources. What are the impacts of and responses to this ongoing attack on Africa and the Diaspora? We invite scholars interested in Africana Studies from all disciplines to participant at this conference. Interested scholars should submit a 250-word abstract or panel description by July 31st to MAAAS at  MAAASpp@gmail.com. Registration Information Coming Soon on MAAAS-2025-Conference.   For additional information, please contact: Elizabeth Chunda, MAAAS President (2025) Elizabethchunda@ku.edu Read more

Deadline: Jul 25, 2025 Donor: Vertex Ventures China Grant Type: Awards, Prizes and Challenges Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000 Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Businesses, Companies and Enterprises, Air Pollution, Climate Change, Energy, Individuals, Innovation, Technology, Water The Green Future Innovation Challenge (GFIC), co-organized by Vertex Ventures China and Temasek Foundation, is a climate tech competition that seeks innovative technological solutions from across the globe to address key sustainability challenges. For more information, visit https://gfic.cn/web/home Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/submissions-open-for-green-future-innovation-challenge Read more

Donor: Ocean Exchange Grant Type: Awards, Prizes and Challenges Applications are now open for the Neptune Awards to help minimize their impact on these resources, even while using them for human benefit, resulting in more resilient bodies of water including healthy marine life and coastlines. For more information, visit https://www.oceanexchange.org/register/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/nominations-open-for-neptune-awards Read more

Deadline: Apr 14, 2025 Donor: International Federation of Television Archives Grant Type: Grant Grant Size: $1000 to $10,000 Countries/Regions: Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Algeria, American Samoa, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo DR, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote DIvoire (Ivory Coast), Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard Island And Mcdonald Islands, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Isle Of Man, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, North Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia Federated States Of, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Burma(Myanmar), Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestinian Territories, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts And Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Pierre And Miquelon, Saint Vincent And The Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome And Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia And The South Sandwich Islands, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard And Jan Mayen, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, East Timor (Timor-Leste), Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad And Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks And Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United States, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, British Virgin Islands, United States Virgin Islands, Wallis And Futuna, Western Sahara, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Saint Barthélemy, Serbia, South Sudan , Curaçao, Bonaire Sint Eustatius and Saba, Saint Martin (French Part), Sint Maarten (Dutch Part) Area: Filmmaking and Entertainment, Media, Community Development, Climate Change, Environment, Researchers, Misinformation/Disinformation, Research, Science, Technology, Sustainable Development, Gender Equality The Media Studies Commission of the International Federation of Television Archives is excited to invite researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds to carry out research into broadcast archives. For more information, visit https://fiatifta.org/media-studies-grant-2025/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/cfps-media-studies-grant-program Read more

Deadline: Mar 16, 2025 Donor: German Institute of Development and Sustainability Grant Type: Training Grant Size: $1000 to $10,000 Countries/Regions: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom Area: Community Development, Democracy & Good Governance, Learning, Career Development, Climate Change, Individuals, Information Technology, Leadership, Sustainable Development The Managing Global Governance Academy is a training and dialogue format for highly qualified early to mid-career professionals from global powers and the European Union. For more information, visit https://mgg.network/page/mgg-academy Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/submit-applications-for-managing-global-governance-academy Read more

Deadline: Apr 17, 2025 Donor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Grant Type: Awards, Prizes and Challenges Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000 Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Fintech, Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Capacity Building, Community Development, Architecture and Planning, Economic Development, Education, Career Development, Employment & Labor, Individuals, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Innovation, Leadership, Science, Technology, Sustainable Development The Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Solve is seeking exceptional technology-driven solutions to increase economic prosperity for all. For more information, visit https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/2025-global-economic-prosperity-challenge Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/apply-now-global-economic-prosperity-challenge-2025 Read more

Deadline: Apr 17, 2025 Donor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Grant Type: Awards, Prizes and Challenges Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000 Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Fisheries, Marine, Capacity Building, Community Development, Architecture and Planning, Construction, Economic Development, Education, Employment & Labor, Climate Change, Conservation, Energy, Indigenous Communities, Individuals, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, Leadership, Technology, Sustainable Development The Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Solve seeks exceptional solutions that leverage technology to address any aspect of the climate crisis. For more information, visit https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/2025-global-climate-challenge Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/submissions-open-for-global-climate-challenge-2025 Read more