Gates Foundation AI Fellows Programme 2026 for AI Professionals in Nigeria and Africa

The Gates Foundation is inviting applications for its AI Fellows Programme in Africa, an initiative designed to advance the responsible use of artificial intelligence in global health, development and education.

The programme offers qualified AI professionals an opportunity to work on practical challenges affecting African countries, including healthcare supply chains, public financial management and data-driven decision-making.

The selected fellows will work with the foundation's Africa team, government counterparts and partner organisations to develop and test AI-powered solutions that address real-world development challenges.

The position is a 12-month, full-time, fixed-term employment opportunity. Nigeria is among the listed locations, alongside other African regional offices.

Benefits

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:

- Work on AI projects addressing important health and development challenges.

- Develop and test practical artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions.

- Collaborate with specialists across health, development, education and technology.

- Gain exposure to senior leaders, international partners and government stakeholders.

- Build experience in responsible AI development, data engineering and decision-support systems.

- Participate in knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities.

- Access the foundation's employee benefits package, subject to applicable employment terms.

This is a paid employment position rather than a conventional academic scholarship. Applicants should consult the official vacancy for the applicable compensation and employment terms.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered, applicants should meet the following requirements:

1. Educational qualification: Hold a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, data science, engineering, applied mathematics or a related field.

2. Relevant experience: Have at least two years of experience applying AI solutions. Experience in healthcare or agricultural systems is particularly relevant.

3. Technical competence: Demonstrate a strong foundation in AI and machine learning, including model development and evaluation, alongside relevant software engineering and data skills.

4. Practical AI experience: Have hands-on experience building prototypes with large language models and other modern AI tools.

5. Problem-solving ability: Be able to translate complex challenges into practical technical solutions and communicate recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.

6. Collaboration: Demonstrate adaptability, teamwork and an interest in applying technology to public-interest challenges.

7. Commitment to responsible AI: Understand the importance of data privacy, fairness, bias mitigation and ethical AI deployment.

Applicants must also have the legal right to work in their chosen employment location without visa sponsorship. The foundation states that relocation support will not be provided.

Important: This opportunity is best suited to graduates and experienced AI practitioners. It is not designed as an entry-level training programme for students without relevant technical experience.

Application Deadliner

11 November 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should review the official vacancy carefully and submit their applications through the Gates Foundation's recruitment portal.

Official application portal: https://gatesfoundation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Gates/job/AI-Fellow---Africa-Regional-Offices_B021830-1

Applicants should confirm the current vacancy details, location and requirements before applying.

About the Gates Foundation

The Gates Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that supports initiatives in global health, development and education. Its AI Fellows Programme seeks to use modern technology to improve decision-making and develop practical solutions to significant public challenges.