The AI Sandbox Fellowship 2026 is an exciting opportunity for AI engineers, data scientists, and software developers across Africa to build ethical artificial intelligence tools that address the continent’s most pressing digital challenges.
The six-month fellowship supports innovators who are developing solutions to tackle issues such as misinformation, hate speech, digital surveillance, and civic engagement using AI technology.
Participants will receive mentorship, technical support, and a $3,000 monthly grant to develop solutions that strengthen democracy and promote responsible technology across Africa.
The program is organized by Code for Africa, one of the continent’s leading civic technology organizations.
About the AI Sandbox Fellowship
The AI Sandbox Fellowship aims to empower African technologists to develop secure, ethical, and impactful artificial intelligence tools.
Fellows collaborate with regional and global partners including:
- AfricTivistes
- Kofi Annan Foundation
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
These organizations support fellows in transforming ethical AI guidelines into real-world applications aligned with regional cybersecurity laws and cultural contexts.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will gain access to several benefits including:
Monthly Grant
Participants receive $3,000 per month to support project development.
Mentorship and Expert Guidance
Fellows will collaborate with experts in:
- Artificial intelligence
- Media integrity
- Civic technology
- Policy and governance
Pan-African Collaboration
Participants will work with a network of innovators across all 55 African Union countries.
Technical and Strategic Support
The program provides mentorship on:
- AI product development
- Responsible data practices
- Ethical AI design
- Civic technology implementation
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to mid-career professionals with strong technical backgrounds, including:
- AI engineers
- Machine learning specialists
- Data scientists
- Software developers
- Civic technology innovators
Applicants should have experience with:
- AI/ML frameworks such as Python or TensorFlow
- Cloud-based systems
- User-centered design approaches
Preference may be given to candidates with open-source or multilingual technology experience.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Be based in an African Union member country
- Have expertise in AI, machine learning, or software development
- Be working on solutions addressing digital rights or civic challenges
- Represent independent organizations (state-affiliated entities are not eligible)
Key Focus Areas
Projects submitted for the fellowship should address challenges related to:
- Misinformation and disinformation detection
- Online hate speech monitoring
- Civic engagement platforms
- Digital surveillance accountability
- Ethical artificial intelligence development
The fellowship prioritizes technology solutions that promote democracy, transparency, and responsible digital governance.
Grant Funding Details
Fellows will receive $3,000 monthly funding to support:
- AI development tools
- Research and data collection
- Software engineering resources
- Community testing and feedback
- Project deployment and scaling
Applicants must outline how the grant funds will be used within the project proposal.
Application Requirements
Applicants will need to provide the following information:
- Organization name and website
- Country of operation
- Primary contact details
- Description of the organization’s mission and human rights work
- Technology team skillset
- Current digital tools used
Additionally, applicants must submit a detailed proposal including:
- Project title
- Problem statement
- Proposed AI solution
- Expected impact and outcomes
- Implementation timeline
- Ethical AI safeguards
- Community engagement strategy
Ethical AI and Data Protection
The fellowship emphasizes responsible and ethical AI development.
Applicants must demonstrate how their solutions will ensure:
- Data privacy protection
- Bias mitigation
- Transparent algorithms
- Responsible data usage
Personal information collected during the application process will be securely handled by Code for Africa and shared with program partners only for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
Application Deadline
March 30, 2026
Interested innovators are encouraged to apply before the deadline to join this pan-African cohort building inclusive and ethical AI technologies.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries worldwide, but Africa needs solutions that reflect local realities, cultural diversity, and democratic values.
The AI Sandbox Fellowship helps bridge this gap by empowering African innovators to build technology that strengthens civic participation and protects digital rights.
By supporting ethical AI innovation, the fellowship contributes to a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive digital future for Africa.
