Application Deadline: 23 March 2025
The Mastercard Foundation Learning Partnership in collaboration with Caribou Digital, invites applications for the Pan-African PhD Scholars Collective. This initiative will build a dynamic collective of African women PhD researchers exploring AI’s role in shaping economic opportunities, youth employment, and digital transformation in Africa.
Requirements
Caribou Digital is looking for 7 exceptional women scholars who:
- Are African nationals or permanent residents enrolled in an English-speaking PhD program at an African university.
- Are below the age of 40.
- Have research interests in AI & digital economies, such as youth employment, and innovation in an AI age.
- Are passionate about shaping policies and discussions on AI in Africa.
Research Focus
- AI & Youth Employment: How does AI change the school-to-work transition in Africa?
- AI & Women’s Economic Empowerment: How can AI drive inclusive opportunities for women on the African continent?
- AI & Intersectionality: How might AI and youth livelihoods impact on those living with disabilities, or in non-urban areas? How might they contribute to building relevant AI?
- AI & The Future of Work: What will working in Africa look like in 2030 in an AI-driven age?
- AI & Digital Entrepreneurship: How can AI support young African entrepreneurs and MSMEs?
- AI & Education: How is AI transforming skills development for youth, women, and underserved groups?
Benefits
This program is designed to elevate the voices of African women PhD scholars in AI and the digital economy, providing:
- Funding & Research Support – Scholars will receive a stipend of $5,000 for their participation. Additionally, up to $2,000 in funding is available to support travel, research, and editing in 2025-2026. Access to these funds requires a separate application and approval process after scholars have been selecte
- Mentorship & Career Development – Peer-to-peer learning in a monthly group and one-on-one monthly mentorship from Gender & AI academic.
- Networking & Exposure – Support to present at international conferences and collaborate with top researchers on the continent and beyond.
- Publication & Recognition – Guidance to publish research in top academic journals as well as non-academic audiences, including an edited volume in 2026
- Leadership Opportunities – Become a thought leader in AI, digital policy, and innovation in Africa.
Program Details
The cohort of 7 researchers will be selected by April 2025.
- Research & Mentorship: Monthly mentorship sessions, peer-to-peer learning, and publication support.
- Publishing & Conferences: Selected researchers will publish their findings and present at global conferences. We will also support you in publishing an edited volume on AI and inclusive digital economies in 2026.
- Growing the Network: We will configure ways to stay in touch beyond 2026.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Caribou Digital Pan-African PhD Scholars Collective
