Deadline: September 15, 2025 at 11:59 EDT
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is inviting concept notes for research projects in Sub-Saharan Africa examining the socioeconomic impacts of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI is reshaping economies worldwide, with the potential to add nearly USD 3 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030. Yet, it also risks deepening inequality, displacing workers, and entrenching dependency on external technologies. Evidence from African contexts is urgently needed to guide responsible policies and ensure AI contributes to inclusive growth.
Focus areas include:
- Labour and livelihoods – how AI is creating or displacing jobs, and its impacts on informal work, youth, and women.
- Productivity and economic transformation – conditions under which AI-driven gains improve livelihoods.
- Poverty and inequality – risks of exclusion and strategies for inclusive development.
- Global inequality and “AI colonialism” – ensuring local benefit from data and innovation.
Cross-cutting priorities: gender equality, disability inclusion, rigorous data collection, and translating findings into actionable policy guidance.
Funding details:
- Up to four grants, each valued at up to CAD 1 million
- Duration: up to 36 months
- Multi-country and consortium projects are encouraged
- Lead applicants must be organizations legally registered in eligible African LMICs
This opportunity is open to research institutions, universities, think tanks, civil society organizations, and private sector actors with strong regional experience. Individuals and UN/government agencies are not eligible.
Successful projects will join the Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) program, contributing evidence and African perspectives to global AI governance and policy debates.
More information, including eligibility details and application guidelines, is available at the link below.
