Call for Applications: Second Cohort of “African Women in Tech and AI” Project

We are pleased to announce that the application process for the second cohort of the groundbreaking project “African Women in Tech and AI” is now open! This initiative, spearheaded by UNESCO in collaboration with the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University’s Ai Movement and the OCP Foundation, aims to empower African women in technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) while fostering sustainable development across the continent.

Application Process:

1. Applicant must submit the following required documents to the Ghana Commission for UNESCO via natsci@unescoghana.gov.gh with copy to asare@unescoghana.gov.gh no later than 21^st March 2025.

Required Documents:

• Candidate’s contact information
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A motivation letter (not more than a page) detailing their interest and a project idea leveraging AI to address local challenges related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2. All complete applications will be assessed by the Commission, after which a maximum of three (3) applications will be selected and nominated.
3. Nominated applications will be submitted to UNESCO Secretariat for shortlisting.
4. Shortlisted candidates will complete an online application procedure.

About the Project:

Launched in 2023, this three-year initiative aligns with UNESCO’s Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022-2029) under two flagship programmes:

1. Harnessing new and emerging technologies for sustainable development in Africa (Flagship Programme 4), with a focus on gender equality in AI systems.
2. Enhancing open science and innovation capacity (Flagship Programme 5).

The project aims to:

1. Train 150 African women in AI, leadership, and technological innovation by 2025.
2. Incubate around 30 entrepreneurial initiatives addressing African challenges in health, education, agriculture, energy, and more.
3. Establish a Pan-African network of women leaders in AI.

Achievements So Far:

• 2023-2024 Impact:
  • Training of 114 women from 28 African countries.
  • Incubation of 22 entrepreneurial projects.
• The first cohort demonstrated remarkable innovation, with eight projects currently incubated at the Ai Movement Center in Morocco.

Why Participate?

This programme offers:

• Advanced training in AI, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
• Access to a network of innovators committed to sustainable development.
• Opportunities for project incubation and financial support.

By joining this initiative, participants will contribute to achieving the United Nations’ SDGs and Africa’s Agenda 2063 while shaping the future of technology on the continent.