Are you pursuing a PhD in an African university? Are you passionate about Artificial Intelligence (AI), the digital economy, and the future of work in Africa? Do you want to be part of a paid collaborative research network that will shape the continent’s digital transformation?
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.
Why Join the Africa AI Women Research Collective?
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 selected
✔ 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.
Who Should Apply?
We are 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 Topics & Focus Areas
The collective will explore scholars’s existing research in AI’s impact on youth livelihoods and economic opportunities in Africa. Potential topics might include:
🔹 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?
How the Program Works
📢 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.
How to Apply
📍 Click on "Apply to position"
📅 Application Deadline: 23 March 2025
About Caribou Digital
Caribou is a global consultancy working with ambitious foundations, companies, and governments to accelerate and deliver impact in a digital age. We apply deep technical expertise and rigor to strategy design, fund and program management, impact measurement, and actionable research. We work towards a world in which digital economies are inclusive and sustainable, driven by secure livelihoods, innovative business models, and bold climate action.
About the Mastercard Foundation Learning Partnership
The Mastercard Foundation-Caribou Digital Research Learning Partnership explores digital topics and levers to support the research, practice, and policy communities to engage on digital topics of central importance to young people in Africa. The partnership conducts research covering topics such as AI, skills, access, and digital financial inclusion and builds expert networks of young African influencers and researchers who will create best practices for their communities and the ecosystem.