Gates Foundation AI Fellows Program 2027 for African Innovators
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has opened applications for its 2027 AI Fellows Program.
The foundation offers skilled African AI professionals an opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions addressing critical challenges in global health, education and development.
The 12-month programme will recruit talented AI practitioners into the Foundation’s first Africa-based cohort, where they will work alongside regional teams, government counterparts and development partners to deploy artificial intelligence for meaningful social impact.
Selected fellows will be assigned one or two high-priority projects, contributing to the development of AI-powered tools, prototypes and decision-support systems that support the Foundation’s mission of improving lives.
About the Programme
The AI Fellows Program is designed to bridge the gap between emerging artificial intelligence technologies and practical solutions to development challenges across Africa.
Fellows will collaborate with teams across the Foundation’s Global Health, Global Development, Gender Equality, and Global Growth and Opportunity divisions. They will also gain exposure to senior leadership and opportunities to work with international organisations, NGOs, academic institutions and government agencies.
Areas of Focus
Successful applicants may work on projects involving:
- Developing AI-powered decision-support tools to improve public financial management and resource allocation.
- Using predictive analytics to reduce shortages of essential medicines in healthcare facilities.
- Strengthening health planning, procurement and supply chain management systems.
- Building tools to forecast medicine stockouts and identify redistribution opportunities.
- Applying AI to improve decision-making in health, education and development programmes.
Benefits of the Programme
The Gates Foundation AI Fellows Program offers participants the opportunity to:
- Secure a paid, 12-month, limited-term employment position.
- Work on high-impact AI projects addressing real-world challenges across Africa.
- Receive mentorship from experts in artificial intelligence, global health, development and policy.
- Collaborate with government stakeholders, international organisations and development partners.
- Gain exposure to the Foundation’s global network and senior leadership.
- Develop practical experience building and deploying AI solutions for public good.
- Contribute to responsible AI innovation and digital public infrastructure.
The position also comes with employee benefits, including healthcare coverage, retirement contributions and paid time off.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the programme, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a related field.
- Have at least two years of experience applying AI solutions, preferably in healthcare or agricultural systems.
- Possess knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning modelling, model evaluation and large language models (LLMs).
- Demonstrate software engineering and data skills required to develop end-to-end AI solutions.
- Have practical experience building prototypes using modern AI tools and technologies.
- Show interest in applying AI to health systems, public financial management, supply chains and logistics.
- Demonstrate strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Be committed to responsible AI, ethical innovation and equitable development.
Experience may be demonstrated through professional work, research, internships or applied academic projects.
Programme Locations and Duration
- Duration: 12 months
- Employment type: Full-time, limited-term employment
- Locations: Abuja, Nigeria; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Nairobi, Kenya.
Applicants must be legally authorised to work in their chosen country without visa sponsorship. The Foundation does not provide relocation support.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates can apply online through the Gates Foundation’s official recruitment portal.
Applicants should review the job description and eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.
Application Deadline: November 11, 2026
Application Link
Apply for the Gates Foundation AI Fellows Program 2027
