17 Mar 2025

Scholarship Opportunity for African Women: AI Ethics and Policy Short Course

NEWS

The African Observatory on Responsible AI is committed to fostering ethical AI governance across the continent. As part of its Women in Focus initiative, the Observatory is offering five fully funded scholarships for African women to participate in a short course on AI Ethics and Policy.

This initiative aims to bridge gender gaps in AI leadership and equip scholars with the skills to shape responsible AI policies in Africa.

About the Scholarship

Host Institution: University of Cape Town (in partnership with the African Observatory on Responsible AI)
Number of Scholarships: 5
Course Format: Online (two live sessions per week)
Coverage: Full tuition for the short course
Duration: 5 weeks
Certification: UCT short course certificate upon successful completion

Course Overview

The AI Ethics & Policy in Africa course, offered by UCT’s EthicsLab in collaboration with the African Observatory on Responsible AI, provides essential insights into AI governance. The course is designed for students, professionals, policymakers, and regulators who wish to deepen their understanding of AI ethics and policy frameworks relevant to Africa.

Course Content

Participants will explore key themes, including:

Introduction to AI and Ethics in Africa
Current Perspectives on AI and Ethics: Bias and Discrimination
African Ethical Frameworks for AI
African Ethical Design & Responsible Innovation
AI Governance and Regulation in Africa
AI, African Regional Integration and the Global Economy
AI and Gender in Africa
AI and Privacy in Africa
Autonomous Systems and Decision-Making
Future Perspectives on AI and Ethics: Inclusion and Equity

Learn more: AI Ethics & Policy in Africa: Enroll to Our 5 Week Online Course

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Identify as a woman and be of African heritage or nationality.
Hold a Bachelor’s degree.
Be a student, professional, or early-career individual with a demonstrated interest in AI ethics and policy.
Show commitment to ethical AI governance and responsible technology development.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee will assess applicants based on:

Interest and commitment to AI ethics, governance, and responsible AI policy.
Leadership potential and ability to influence AI-related discussions and initiatives.
Relevant academic, research, or professional experience in AI or related fields.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit the following documents via the official Google Form (click here):

500-word Motivation Letter - Detailing how the scholarship will impact their career and future contributions to AI ethics and policy.
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) - Highlighting relevant academic, professional, or research experience.

Only one submission per applicant is allowed. Incomplete or multiple submissions will not be considered.

Why Apply?

This scholarship presents a unique opportunity for African women to gain specialized training in AI governance, engage with leading experts, and contribute to shaping responsible AI policies from an African perspective. Scholars will benefit from:

Comprehensive training – A structured curriculum on AI policy and governance.
Mentorship and networking – Connections with AI professionals, policymakers, and researchers.

The African Observatory on Responsible AI and the University of Cape Town are committed to empowering African women to lead in ethical AI governance. If you are passionate about responsible AI and eager to make an impact, we encourage you to apply.