There is little doubt that AI applications will profoundly impact societies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The tremendous potential of AI, however, may not benefit everyone equally. AI makes possible data-driven innovations to help address pressing social problems. However, like most new technologies, AI also has the potential to exacerbate existing social and economic problems and create new ones.
The objectives of this call are to:
Generate evidence about the socio-economic and political implications of AI in LMICs in Africa, with an emphasis on gender equality, disability and inclusion.
Build up the contextual evidence base on societal issues as they interact with the rapid growth of AI to support and inform African policymaking.
Ensure that the most urgent and impactful issues are addressed, with a focus on the most vulnerable populations.
Scope and eligibility:
Proposals must be submitted by organizations registered or incorporated in African countries. These could include, inter alia, research institutions, universities, think tanks, network secretariats, associations, civil society organizations, non-profits, or the private sector.
Proposals may be submitted by individual organizations, or by consortia of up to five organizations. Proposals from consortia must name one lead organization, which can subgrant to the others. Proposals from, or that include, private sector partners should demonstrate how private sector resources – financial or technical knowhow - will contribute to the project. Organizations/consortia must have a strong presence and track record of work in Africa.
Geographic focus: Proposed research must take place in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa.
Duration of research grants: 36 months
Budget: Up to $1,000,000 per project. A total of $4,500,000 is available for this opportunity.
Contact e-mail: ai4dafrica@idrc.ca
Deadline for submission: Wednesday, 17 September 2025 (23:59 Eastern Daylight Time)
Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa
There is little doubt that AI applications will profoundly impact societies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The tremendous potential of AI, however, may not benefit everyone equally. AI makes possible data-driven innovations to help address pressing social problems. However, like most new technologies, AI also has the potential to exacerbate existing social and economic problems and create new ones.
The objectives of this call are to:
Generate evidence about the socio-economic and political implications of AI in LMICs in Africa, with an emphasis on gender equality, disability and inclusion.
Build up the contextual evidence base on societal issues as they interact with the rapid growth of AI to support and inform African policymaking.
Ensure that the most urgent and impactful issues are addressed, with a focus on the most vulnerable populations.
Scope and eligibility:
Proposals must be submitted by organizations registered or incorporated in African countries. These could include, inter alia, research institutions, universities, think tanks, network secretariats, associations, civil society organizations, non-profits, or the private sector.
Proposals may be submitted by individual organizations, or by consortia of up to five organizations. Proposals from consortia must name one lead organization, which can subgrant to the others. Proposals from, or that include, private sector partners should demonstrate how private sector resources – financial or technical knowhow - will contribute to the project. Organizations/consortia must have a strong presence and track record of work in Africa.
Geographic focus: Proposed research must take place in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa.
Duration of research grants: 36 months
Budget: Up to $1,000,000 per project. A total of $4,500,000 is available for this opportunity.
Contact e-mail: ai4dafrica@idrc.ca
Deadline for submission: Wednesday, 17 September 2025 (23:59 Eastern Daylight Time)