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                          African Futures Research Leadership Program - Cohort 6 Call for Applicants
                      
                    
                    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
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                          By: Justin Rabineau
                        
                        
                        Due Date: Nov, 21, 2025  
                      
                      
                      
                      
                              Agri-food systems
                            
                            
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                          Rapid Response Funding: Direct Support Stream
                      
                    
                    Deadline: Dec 31, 2025
Donor: United Nations Women's Peace & Humanitarian Fund
Grant Type: Grant
Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000
Countries/Regions: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo DR, Costa Rica, Cote DIvoire (Ivory Coast), Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia Federated States Of, Moldova Republic Of, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Burma(Myanmar), Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent And The Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome And Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, East Timor (Timor-Leste), Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Wallis And Futuna, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, South Sudan
Area: Humanitarian Relief, Peace & Conflict Resolution, Women & Gender
The Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) Direct Support Stream is accepting concept notes from eligible applicants in countries with active peace processes.
For more information, visit https://wphfund.org/rrw-direct-support/
Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/rapid-response-funding-direct-support-stream
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                          By: Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
                        
                        
                        Due Date: Dec, 31, 2025  
                      
                      
                      
                      
                              Youth empowerment
                            
                            
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                          CFAs: Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women's Empowerment
                      
                    
                    Deadline: Mar 20, 2026
Donor: UN Women
Grant Type: Awards, Prizes and Challenges
Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000
Countries/Regions: All Countries
Area: Individuals, Innovation, Leadership, Gender Equality, Women & Gender
The UN Women has launched a prestigious global award to recognize and celebrate the outstanding efforts of individuals, civil society, public institutions, and private sector actors working toward gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
For more information, visit https://www.womenglobalaward.org/en
Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/cfas-princess-sabeeka-bint-ibrahim-al-khalifa-global-award-for-womens-empowerment
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                          By: Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
                        
                        
                        Due Date: Mar, 20, 2026  
                      
                      
                      
                      
                              Youth empowerment
                            
                            
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                          RFAs: Implementation of the My Journey Adolescent and Young People Programme (South Africa)
                      
                    
                    Deadline: Sep 05, 2025
Donor: Networking HIV and AIDS Community of Southern Africa
Grant Type: Grant
Grant Size: Not Available
Countries/Regions: South Africa
Area: Health, Youth & Adolescents
The Networking HIV and AIDS Community of Southern Africa has issued a compelling call for non-profit organisations deeply rooted in their districts to step forward as Sub-Recipients for the My Journey Adolescent and Young People Programme.
For more information, visit https://www.nacosa.org.za/proposals/
Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/rfas-implementation-of-the-my-journey-adolescent-and-young-people-programme-south-africa
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                          By: Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
                        
                        
                        Due Date: Sep, 5, 2025  
                      
                      
                      
                      
                              Health and nutrition
                            
                            
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                          Open Call for SRHIN Health Equity Champions Program (Africa)
                      
                    
                    Deadline: Aug 29, 2025
Donor: Slum and Rural Health Initiative Network
Grant Type: Events
Grant Size: Not Available
Countries/Regions: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo DR, Cote DIvoire (Ivory Coast), Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Reunion, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Sao Tome And Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Western Sahara, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Sudan
Area: Community Development, Health, Youth, Leadership, Youth & Adolescents
Are you passionate about health equity, youth leadership, and making a real difference in your community? Then join the next cohort of the SRHIN Health Equity Champions Program!
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/srhinAfrica/posts/pfbid0iDnh3WqDy4T5FxdQncfsbFNe54a3RxVWitd6nr6DhmzFSjraimrukEBs9MCvKGiil
Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/open-call-for-srhin-health-equity-champions-program-africa
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                          By: Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
                        
                        
                        Due Date: Aug, 29, 2025  
                      
                      
                      
                      
                              Youth empowerment
                            
                            
                              
                            
                            
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                          Applications open for “CSOs’ Integrity Clubs” Program (Kenya)
                      
                    
                    Deadline: Aug 31, 2025
Donor: Konrad Adenauer Foundation Kenya
Grant Type: Grant
Grant Size: $1000 to $10,000
Countries/Regions: Kenya
Area: Civil Society Development, Social Justice, Corruption, Youth & Adolescents
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation Kenya is looking for applications for the 2nd Round of Financial Support to Third Parties for “CSOs’ Integrity Clubs” Program under the Strengthening capacities of local Civil Society to fight Corruption: Tupigane na Ufisadi (TUNU) Project.
For more information, visit https://www.kas.de/en/web/kenia/single-title/-/content/call-for-applications-24
Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/applications-open-for-csos-integrity-clubs-program-kenya
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                          By: Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
                        
                        
                        Due Date: Aug, 31, 2025  
                      
                      
                      
                      
                              Youth empowerment
                            
                            
                              
                            
                            
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                          CFPs: Support to Green and Digital Transformation in Botswana
                      
                    
                    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
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                          By: Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
                        
                        
                        Due Date: Sep, 26, 2025  
                      
                      
                      
                      
                              Water, energy, and the...
                            
                            
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                          COIL Faculty Fellows Program - Africa
                      
                    
                    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/
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                          By: Justin Rabineau
                        
                        
                        Due Date: Aug, 10, 2025  
                      
                      
                      
                      
                              Agri-food systems
                            
                            
                              +6
                            
                            
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                          Sister-to-Sister Young Feminist Leadership Program
                      
                    
                    Deadline: Jul 18, 2025
Donor: Nobel Women’s Initiative
Grant Type: Events
Grant Size: Not Available
Countries/Regions: Afghanistan, Burundi, Colombia, Comoros, Congo DR, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Mozambique, Burma(Myanmar), Palestinian Territories, Reunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Area: Learning, Environment, Leaders, Women and Girls, Innovation, Leadership, Gender Equality, Women & Gender, Youth & Adolescents
The Nobel Women’s Initiative invites applications for the Sister-to-Sister Young Feminist Leadership Program to bring together young feminist leaders – sisters - in an intensive virtual program which fosters crucial solidarity, support, sisterhood, and skills-building to better equip activists for the challenges ahead.
For more information, visit https://www.nobelwomensinitiative.org/sister-to-sister-applications-2025
Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/sister-to-sister-young-feminist-leadership-program
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                          By: Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
                        
                        
                        Due Date: Jul, 18, 2025  
                      
                      
                      
                      
                              Youth empowerment
                            
                            
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                          Applications open for UNAOC Youth Solidarity Fund (11th Edition)
                      
                    
                    Deadline: Aug 15, 2025
Donor: United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
Grant Type: Grant
Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000
Countries/Regions: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo DR, Costa Rica, Cote DIvoire (Ivory Coast), Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia Federated States Of, Moldova Republic Of, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Burma(Myanmar), Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, Palestinian Territories, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent And The Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome And Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, East Timor (Timor-Leste), Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, South Sudan
Area: Peace & Conflict Resolution, Youth & Adolescents
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations is inviting youth-led organizations from eligible countries to apply for the 11th edition of its Youth Solidarity Fund.
For more information, visit https://www.unaoc.org/2025/06/youth-solidarity-fund-2025-applications/
Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/applications-open-for-unaoc-youth-solidarity-fund-11th-edition
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                          By: Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
                        
                        
                        Due Date: Aug, 15, 2025  
                      
                      
                      
                      
                              Youth empowerment
                            
                            
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                          Cassava Change-Makers Pitch Competition (Nigeria)
                      
                    
                    Deadline: Jun 25, 2025
Donor: Agbeyewa
Grant Type: Events
Grant Size: $1000 to $10,000
Countries/Regions: Nigeria
Area: Businesses, Companies and Enterprises, Youth, Innovation, Technology, Youth & Adolescents
Agbeyewa invites passionate young innovators to take part in the Cassava Change-Makers Pitch Competition — a platform to showcase bold, original ideas with the potential to transform the cassava value chain.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/agbeyewa/posts/pfbid02HBv2dgbKJoUridL7MM5U2DEQqjr8DabheaCGvD2fgDmKu5ZYYCAaRsWSxzDxsS6wl
Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/cassava-changemakers-pitch-competition-nigeria
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                          By: Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
                        
                        
                        Due Date: Jun, 25, 2025  
                      
                      
                      
                      
                              Youth empowerment
                            
                            
                              
                            
                            
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                          Apply Now: Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship Program 2026
                      
                    
                    Deadline: Aug 01, 2025
Donor: Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs
Grant Type: Fellowship
Grant Size: Not Available
Countries/Regions:
Area: Climate Change, Individuals, Leaders, Youth, Leadership, Youth & Adolescents
The Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs is delighted to invite applications for its Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship Program.
For more information, visit https://jackson.yale.edu/international-leadership-center/climate/how-to-apply/
Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/apply-now-emerging-climate-leaders-fellowship-program-2026
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                          By: Baboki Gaolaolwe-Major
                        
                        
                        Due Date: Aug, 1, 2025  
                      
                      
                      
                      
                              Youth empowerment
                            
                            
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