Gates Foundation
✨ AI Summary
Apply to become a Gates Foundation AI Fellow in Africa, where you'll spend 12 months working on AI solutions for health, development, and education challenges across African countries.
The Gates Foundation AI Fellows Program 2027 is a 12-month fellowship for young African innovators to work on AI projects in global health, development, and education. Fellows are based in one of four African cities—Abuja (Nigeria), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Johannesburg (South Africa), or Nairobi (Kenya)—and work embedded within the Gates Foundation's Africa team. Each fellow is assigned 1–2 high-priority projects to help advance the foundation's mission, collaborating across multiple divisions and with government and partner organizations. This is the first Africa-based cohort of the Gates Foundation AI Fellows Program, building on successful US and India programs. What you get • Work on high-priority projects addressing global health, development, and education • Apply AI solutions in low- and middle-income countries where innovation has significant impact • Contribute to digital public goods and health innovation efforts • Access to Gates Foundation's network across multilaterals, NGOs, academia, and industry • Global platform with credibility and reach across 140+ countries • Lead projects with clear outcomes from day one • Expert mentorship from leaders across AI, health, development, and policy • Build portfolio of real-world impact How to apply 1. Visit the official webpage of the Gates Foundation AI Fellows Program
• Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Applied Math, or relevant field • At least 2 years of experience applying AI solutions, preferably in health or agricultural systems • Strong foundation in modern AI/ML, including ML/AI modeling, model evaluation, and hands-on experience with LLMs • Software engineering and data skills needed to build end-to-end applied solutions • Demonstrated interest in applying AI to health systems, public financial management, supply chain and logistics • Experience working cross-functionally in complex environments with strong teamwork and adaptability • Demonstrated ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences • Deep motivation to apply AI responsibly for public good with alignment to equitable development • Hands-on experience building prototypes with LLMs and modern AI tools • Must be able to legally work in the country where position is located without visa sponsorship