Gates Foundation AI Fellowship 2026: Opportunities in Africa
The Gates Foundation is inviting applications for its AI Fellows Program in Africa, offering technology professionals an opportunity to apply artificial intelligence to challenges in global health, development, and education.
The 12-month fellowship will place successful candidates within the foundation’s Africa team, where they will work on practical AI solutions designed to improve decision-making, strengthen health systems, and address development challenges across African countries.
The programme is seeking candidates with experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, software engineering, and data science who are interested in using technology to deliver meaningful social impact.
Applications for the Africa cohort must be submitted by 11 November 2026.
Gates Foundation AI Fellowship 2026: Overview
- Organisation: Gates Foundation
- Programme: AI Fellows Program
- Position: AI Fellow – Africa Regional Offices
- Job Reference: B021830
- Locations: Abuja, Nigeria; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Johannesburg, South Africa; or Nairobi, Kenya
- Job Type: Full-time
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- Application Deadline: 11 November 2026
- Visa Sponsorship: Not available
- Relocation Support: Not provided
Although the vacancy listing highlights Nairobi and Abuja, the description identifies four potential duty stations. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the country where the position is based.
Application link: Visit the official Gates Foundation careers website to locate the AI Fellow vacancy and submit your application.
About the Gates Foundation AI Fellows Program
The AI Fellows Program aims to accelerate the responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence in global health, development, and education.
The Africa cohort will work alongside the foundation’s regional team, partners, and government counterparts to develop AI tools that support important decisions and improve programme delivery.
Fellows will be assigned high-priority projects that align with the foundation’s mission. They will collaborate with teams working across global health, gender equality, global development, and global growth and opportunity.
The programme combines practical technical work with opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, engage with development partners, and contribute to solutions addressing real-world challenges.
What Will AI Fellows Do?
Successful candidates will contribute to the development, testing, and implementation of AI-driven solutions.
1. Develop AI Solutions for Development Challenges
Fellows will identify problems that can be addressed through AI and work with project sponsors to determine appropriate technical solutions.
This involves understanding local needs, identifying available data, and evaluating the software, analytical, and operational requirements necessary for successful implementation.
2. Build and Test AI Prototypes
The role involves using modern AI tools and large language models to develop prototypes, test ideas, and assess whether proposed solutions are practical.
Fellows will document their findings and translate technical results into recommendations for further development or wider implementation.
3. Strengthen Health Systems and Supply Chains
Potential projects include developing decision-support tools to improve health financing decisions, reduce essential medicine stockouts, and strengthen supply chain management.
Other projects may involve predictive analytics to identify potential medicine shortages and support better resource allocation.
These initiatives aim to help governments and development partners make informed decisions and improve the delivery of essential services.
4. Promote Responsible AI
Fellows will be expected to consider fairness, data privacy, security, and ethical use throughout the development process.
They will also evaluate AI models to assess accuracy, reliability, and practical usefulness.
5. Support Training and Knowledge Sharing
The programme includes helping colleagues develop their understanding of AI.
Fellows may prepare training materials, facilitate workshops, and mentor team members on applying AI tools responsibly in development settings.
Qualifications and Experience Required
The Gates Foundation is seeking candidates who combine technical skills with a strong interest in using AI for public benefit.
Applicants should meet the following essential requirements:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field.
- At least two years of experience applying AI solutions, preferably in health or agricultural systems.
- A strong understanding of AI and machine learning, including model development and evaluation.
- Practical experience using large language models and modern AI tools.
- Software engineering and data skills relevant to building practical, end-to-end solutions.
- The ability to communicate technical concepts and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
- A commitment to responsible AI, equitable development, and global health.
Experience with data engineering, information retrieval, predictive analytics, optimisation, and decision-support systems may also be valuable.
Candidates should demonstrate a practical approach to building prototypes and translating technical ideas into solutions that can be used in real-world settings.
Why Consider the Gates Foundation AI Fellowship?
The fellowship offers an opportunity to apply technical expertise to challenges affecting communities across Africa.
Participants will work on projects connected to the foundation’s priorities in health, development, and education.
Other potential benefits include collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, mentorship from experienced professionals, exposure to senior leadership, and opportunities to build a portfolio of practical AI projects.
Fellows will also engage with a network of partners across government, academia, nonprofit organisations, and industry.
The programme is particularly relevant to technology professionals who want to combine AI innovation with public service and development impact.
How to Apply for the Gates Foundation AI Fellowship 2026
Interested candidates should review the official vacancy and confirm that they meet the educational, technical, and experience requirements.
Applicants should:
- Visit the official Gates Foundation careers website.
- Search for AI Fellow – Africa Regional Offices, reference B021830.
- Review the complete job description and application requirements.
- Prepare an application demonstrating their AI experience, technical skills, and interest in global development.
- Submit their application before the deadline.
Please note that the position does not provide visa sponsorship or relocation assistance. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in their chosen duty-station country.
Final Thoughts
The Gates Foundation AI Fellowship offers technology professionals an opportunity to develop practical artificial intelligence solutions for global health and development challenges.
Candidates with relevant AI, machine learning, data science, and software engineering experience may find this programme particularly valuable.
If you are interested in applying advanced technology to improve public services and development outcomes across Africa, review the official vacancy and submit your application before the closing date.
