The Gates Foundation AI Fellows Program 2027 is aimed at young African innovators. The opportunity is listed on the Gates Foundation jobs site for Nairobi, Kenya, under the Africa Regional Offices. The application deadline is not specified, so applicants should check the official page directly.
Application Deadline:
- 11 November 2026 (Note: Urgent 12-day application window following official kickoff).
Tell Me About The Program:
The Gates Foundation AI Fellows Program expands to Africa to accelerate the responsible, high-impact deployment of Artificial Intelligence in global health, development, and education. Embedded within the Foundation’s Africa Regional Team, fellows will bridge frontier AI capabilities (including Large Language Models and predictive analytics) with real-world public sector challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa. Each fellow is assigned 1–2 high-priority projects focused on decision-support tooling, healthcare supply chain optimization, public financial tracking, and digital public infrastructure.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Applied Mathematics, Software Engineering, Health Informatics, Agricultural Systems, and Public Financial Analytics.
Type:
Full-Time, 12-Month Limited-Term Corporate Fellowship / Applied AI Leadership Program
Who can Apply:
- Academic Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a relevant quantitative discipline.
- Professional Experience: Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience applying AI/ML solutions (preferably within healthcare, public supply chain, or agricultural systems).
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in prototyping with modern Large Language Models (LLMs), prompt engineering, API/open-source tools, model evaluation, and solid software engineering practices (version control, clean code, testing).
- Work Authorization: Must possess existing, valid legal authorization to work in the chosen duty station country without requiring visa sponsorship. (Relocation support is not provided).
How Applicants Are Selected:
Selections are made through a multi-stage evaluation process: initial profile screening, technical assessments, interviews with recruiters and hiring managers, and panel interviews with Africa Regional Team leaders to assess technical builder capability, mission alignment, and capacity to communicate complex AI concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
- Duty Station Countries: Nigeria (Abuja), Kenya (Nairobi), Ethiopia (Addis Ababa), or South Africa (Johannesburg). (Applicants must already hold legal work authorization in their selected host country).
Where will the Program be Taken:
On-site / Hybrid at Gates Foundation Regional Hubs in Abuja, Nigeria, Nairobi, Kenya, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, or Johannesburg, South Africa.
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Selective initial Africa-based cohort.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Full-Time Employment: Competitive salary package backed by an exceptional benefits portfolio (full healthcare/dental/vision coverage, generous paid leave, and retirement contributions).
- High-Impact Projects: Lead high-stakes AI decision tools impacting healthcare stockouts, resource allocation, and logistics across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Executive Network: Direct exposure to Gates Foundation senior leadership, global multilaterals, civil society leaders, and government partners.
- Mentorship & Capacity Building: Professional development in responsible AI, ethics, and digital public goods deployment.
How Long Will it Last:
12 Months (Limited-term employment contract).
How to Apply:
- Navigate to the official Gates Foundation Workday recruitment page.
- Search for Job Requisition ID: B021830 (AI Fellow – Africa Regional Offices).
- Create your applicant account and complete the application profile.
- Upload your CV/Resume highlighting your applied AI/LLM project portfolio, academic background, and relevant work history.
- Complete all required declarations regarding local legal work authorization and submit your application before 11 November 2026.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
