Gates Foundation AI Fellow Program 2027 for African Innovators

Applications are open for the Gates Foundation AI Fellow Program 2027, an opportunity for experienced artificial intelligence professionals to apply their technical skills to challenges in global health, development and education. The programme is expanding to Africa with its first Africa based cohort, bringing together AI talent to develop practical tools and solutions that support better decisions and improve development outcomes.

The fellowship is a 12 month, full time employment opportunity in the Gates Foundation's Africa regional offices. Selected fellows will work alongside the Foundation's Africa team, partners and government counterparts on high priority projects. They will collaborate across areas including global health, gender equality, global development, and global growth and opportunity.

Positions are based in Abuja, Nigeria; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Johannesburg, South Africa; or Nairobi, Kenya. Applicants must be legally authorised to work in the country where the position is based. The Foundation will not provide visa sponsorship or relocation support.

About the Gates Foundation AI Fellows Program

The Gates Foundation AI Fellows Program is designed to accelerate the responsible and impactful use of artificial intelligence in areas that can improve people's lives. It seeks technically capable individuals who can connect advances in AI with practical challenges in health, development and education.

The Africa cohort will work with teams across the Foundation and its partner network to identify problems where AI tools can improve planning, strengthen systems and support better decisions. Fellows will be assigned one or two high priority projects and may contribute to multiple initiatives as organisational needs evolve.

The programme is particularly focused on turning technical possibilities into solutions that can work in real world environments. Fellows will therefore need to understand not only how to build AI models and prototypes, but also how to connect them with existing data, software and institutional systems.

Fellowship Benefits

The programme offers technical, professional and career development opportunities, including:

• Practical AI experience: Apply artificial intelligence to important challenges in health, development and education.
• High impact projects: Take responsibility for priority initiatives with defined outcomes and partners.
• Expert mentorship: Learn from specialists and leaders across AI, health, development and policy.
• Professional networking: Collaborate with the Foundation's partners, including governments, multilateral organisations, NGOs, academic institutions and industry.
• Cross disciplinary experience: Work with teams across several Foundation divisions and develop an understanding of different development challenges.
• Digital public goods: Contribute to technology and infrastructure that can support more inclusive access to essential services.
• Career development: Build a portfolio of practical AI projects and gain exposure to senior decision makers.
• Regional impact: Help develop solutions for African countries and communities where improved systems can make a meaningful difference.

Eligibility Requirements

The programme is intended for technically strong candidates with experience applying AI to real world problems. Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Education: Hold a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, data science, engineering, applied mathematics or a related field.
• Professional experience: Have at least two years of experience applying AI solutions, preferably in health or agricultural systems.
• AI and machine learning knowledge: Demonstrate a strong foundation in modern AI and machine learning, including model development and evaluation.
• Large language models: Have practical experience working with large language models and other modern AI tools.
• Software and data skills: Possess the technical skills needed to develop end to end applied solutions, including software engineering and data handling.
• Applied AI interest: Demonstrate an interest in using AI in areas such as health systems, public financial management, supply chains and logistics.
• Collaboration: Be able to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams in complex environments.
• Communication: Explain technical concepts and recommendations clearly to both technical and non technical audiences.
• Mission alignment: Show a strong commitment to responsible AI and equitable development.
• Builder and teacher mindset: Demonstrate practical experience building prototypes and a willingness to share knowledge and help others use AI tools effectively.

Work Location

This opportunity is based in one of four African regional offices:

• Abuja, Nigeria.
• Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Nairobi, Kenya.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the Gates Foundation's official recruitment platform.

1. Review the job description. Read the full AI Fellow vacancy and understand the responsibilities, technical requirements and location arrangements.
2. Check your eligibility. Confirm that you meet the education and experience requirements and can legally work in one of the listed countries without visa sponsorship.
3. Prepare your CV. Highlight your education, AI and machine learning experience, software engineering skills and relevant applied projects.
4. Showcase your technical work. Include examples of prototypes, research, internships or professional projects that demonstrate your ability to build and evaluate practical AI solutions.
5. Explain your motivation. Clearly communicate your interest in applying AI responsibly to challenges in health, development and education.
6. Submit your application online. Use the official Gates Foundation recruitment platform to complete and submit the application before November 11, 2026.