Call for Applications: AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge – Supporting Responsible AI Solutions in Africa

The Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) programme, a flagship initiative powered by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is now inviting eligible innovators to apply for the AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge. This exciting opportunity is designed to support AI solutions that have already been deployed under real-life conditions and are now ready to scale for greater social impact.

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What Is AI4D?

Launched as AI4D Africa in 2020, the programme began with a focus on strengthening responsible AI ecosystems throughout the African continent. The first phase delivered impactful results, including support for policy hubs, multidisciplinary research labs, and innovative, locally-driven AI applications. In 2024, AI4D entered its second phase with a broadened geographical scope encompassing both Africa and Asia, and additional support from Swedish SIDA.

Now operating under the global AI4D umbrella, the programme fosters safe, inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable AI ecosystems that empower people and advance solutions for pressing global development challenges.

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Why the Innovation Scaling Challenge?

Responsible AI has the power to transform sectors critical to Africa’s development—from education and agriculture to climate resilience and gender equity. However, the transition from promising innovations to scalable solutions remains a major hurdle.

The AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge, managed in collaboration with the Lab for Ethics, Policy and Scaling of AI (LEPSAI) at the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), seeks to bridge this gap. It supports AI innovators whose solutions are beyond the proof-of-concept phase and actively used in real-world scenarios, with a clear path toward scaling.

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Priority Areas of Focus

Selected AI innovations must target key development challenges, particularly in the following domains:

• Climate change mitigation and adaptation

• Agriculture and food security

• Education and skill development

• Reducing inequality (especially gender equity, disabilities, and inclusion of vulnerable communities)

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Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open to the following:

• Individual researchers and AI innovators

• AI startups and small to medium enterprises (MSMEs/SMEs)

• Research institutions and universities engaged in AI R&D

• Consortia of multiple stakeholders working on collaborative AI solutions

Note: Ideation-only concepts are not eligible. Innovations must be active, tested, and deployed under real-life conditions.

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What You’ll Gain

Selected participants will receive:

• Guided technical support from LEPSAI for responsible and scalable implementation

• Collaboration opportunities with regional and global AI experts

• Inclusion in case studies and knowledge sharing outputs

• Support in developing use cases and frameworks for responsible AI at scale

This initiative ultimately contributes to AI4D’s core goals:

1. Scaling Innovation – Helping AI applications grow their impact across regions and sectors.

2. Shaping Policy – Establishing inclusive and ethical AI governance systems that promote sustainability and human rights.

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Submission Guidelines

Interested applicants must submit their proposals via Submittable using the designated template. The application must include:

• Applicant Profile – Background, credentials, and relevant experience.

• Project Concept Note – Description of the innovation, challenges addressed, objectives, implementation strategy, and intended outcomes.

• Initial Responsible AI Assessment – A self-administered tool to reflect on the innovation’s scalability and ethical dimensions.

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Timeline and Deadline

Deadline to Apply: Not specified – apply as soon as possible
Apply here: Submit your application

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About AI4D – A Global Vision for Responsible AI

AI4D is grounded in the belief that responsible AI can and should be globally inclusive. Its multi-phase journey includes milestones like:

• The launch of AI4COVID, tackling pandemic challenges with AI.

• Formation of the Feminist AI Network, addressing data bias and gender inclusion.

• Development of the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI).

• Expansion into the Indo-Pacific region, bolstering digital infrastructure and research capabilities.

AI4D operates across four pillars—Policy & Governance, Skills & Data, Innovation, and Scaling—and five cross-cutting priorities including gender inclusion, southern leadership, and global partnerships.

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For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.