Africa Next AI Fellowship Program
Empowering Africa’s Innovators, Engineers and Researchers to Build Homegrown AI Solutions
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the world, yet Africa remains more a consumer than a creator. Limited infrastructure, weak representation in global models, and underrepresented youth talent risk widening the divide. The AfricaNext AI Fellowship responds by equipping young African innovators and policymakers to build scalable, culturally grounded AI systems. Anchored in AfricaNextForum@UNGA and convened by Rise Networks, it is a year-round pipeline developing globally competitive African AI leaders.
What the Fellowship Delivers
Core Experience
Leadership Labs and Technical Training
Technical AI development, product design, governance, ethics, and scaling solutions. Quarterly virtual training sessions on policy, entrepreneurship, innovation, diplomacy, and storytelling
Policy & Governance Module
Equipping Fellows to influence policy on AI regulation, innovation ecosystems, and ethical deployment.
Mentorship & Networking
Pairing fellows with African and global AI experts, policymakers, leaders and investors in business, governance, and creative industries for guidance and experience sharing.
Innovation Showcase
Fellows present prototypes, solutions, and policy recommendations at AfricaNextForum@UNGA and other global platforms. Fellows attend Africa Next Forum @ UNGA virtually to participate in high-level sessions and present their ideas on a global stage.
Impact Projects
Fellows design, execute projects and present the outcomes of their projects in a dedicated session
Who Should Apply
Early to mid-career African innovators aged 18 to 40 working in AI, machine learning, NLP, data science, and governance.
Our headquarters is in Lagos, Nigeria, but we offer our courses and training virtually. However, our programs, research, and collaborations extend across Africa and globally through strategic partnerships.
Entrepreneurs building AI solutions for local sectors.
Unlike many training-only outfits, Rise Networks works at the intersection of research, training, policy, and advisory. We not only train AI talent but also shape frameworks, build tools, and advise diverse institutions, industries and sectors to ensure ethical, inclusive, and impactful AI adoption.
Researchers and civic-tech leaders bridging innovation and policy.
At Rise Networks, ethics is at the heart of our work. We embed fairness, accountability, accuracy, transparency, and inclusivity into all our AI research, training, and solutions. We also advocate for strong policies and governance frameworks to prevent bias and misuse, ensuring AI is developed responsibly.
Candidates must demonstrate leadership, measurable impact, and commitment to Africa’s transformation.
We welcome collaborations with organizations, institutions, and governments that want to apply data and AI for development. Partnerships may include joint research, workforce training, policy advocacy, co-created projects, or consulting. To explore opportunities, email us at comms@risenetworks.org.
Representation spans all African regions and the diaspora, with a minimum of 50 percent women.
Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, and check our website regularly for announcements on programs, events, and new opportunities.
Expected Outcomes
Africa’s first structured pipeline of AI Fellows designing and scaling homegrown systems.
Our headquarters is in Lagos, Nigeria, but we offer our courses and training virtually. However, our programs, research, and collaborations extend across Africa and globally through strategic partnerships.
Development of African-led language models embedding local linguistic and cultural contexts.
Unlike many training-only outfits, Rise Networks works at the intersection of research, training, policy, and advisory. We not only train AI talent but also shape frameworks, build tools, and advise diverse institutions, industries and sectors to ensure ethical, inclusive, and impactful AI adoption.
Stronger computing capacity and digital sovereignty.
At Rise Networks, ethics is at the heart of our work. We embed fairness, accountability, accuracy, transparency, and inclusivity into all our AI research, training, and solutions. We also advocate for strong policies and governance frameworks to prevent bias and misuse, ensuring AI is developed responsibly.
AI-driven innovations advancing health, education, climate, and governance goals.
We welcome collaborations with organizations, institutions, and governments that want to apply data and AI for development. Partnerships may include joint research, workforce training, policy advocacy, co-created projects, or consulting. To explore opportunities, email us at comms@risenetworks.org.
Policy briefs guiding African governments and global institutions.
Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, and check our website regularly for announcements on programs, events, and new opportunities.
Recognition of Africa as a driver of AI innovation.
Continental Platform for AI Leadership
Graduate Development Programs
We offer deep, professional-level Data and AI trainings that goes far beyond introductory courses. These programs are carefully designed for accessibility and affordability, equipping students, fresh graduates and youth corpers with hands-on skills in AI, machine learning, and data analytics. Participants gain practical experience to tackle real-world challenges and prepare for careers in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Mid-Level & Senior Management Programs
Inspired by Singapore’s leading AI education frameworks, these programs target mid-level and senior professionals seeking to integrate AI into strategic decision-making. Participants combine technical knowledge with managerial expertise, enabling them to lead AI initiatives, manage innovation projects, and drive organizational transformation in their workplaces.
Industry Upskilling Programs
Tailored to critical industries such as manufacturing, oil & gas, finance, and the public sector, these programs focus on bridging skills gaps and fostering innovation. Through hands-on projects, industry case studies, and expert mentorship, professionals gain practical AI knowledge to optimize operations, enhance productivity, and introduce new technologies to their organizations.
