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Closed
Call for concept notes: Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa
Research funding on AI’s socio-economic impacts in Africa
Last Update: April 21, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
This program funds research on the socio-economic impacts of AI in Africa, with grants of up to CAD 1 million per project. It supports studies on labour, productivity, inequality, and AI colonialism, including policy-relevant research and knowledge sharing.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Research on the socio-economic impacts of AI in Africa
- Studies on labour and livelihoods
- Research on productivity and economic transformation
- Research on poverty, inequality, and exclusion
- Research on global inequality and AI colonialism
Documents Needed
- Short CVs of the principal investigator and team members
- Signed letters of commitment from each applicant organization
- Legal registration documents
- High-level budget in local currency
- Optional supporting documents such as consortium letters, references, or workplans
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Research institutions
- Universities and public university centres
- Think tanks and network secretariats
- Associations, civil society organizations, and non-profits
- Private sector organizations
Who is not eligible
- Individuals, including students
- UN agencies as lead applicants
- Government ministries and government agencies
- Regional or national offices of international organizations as lead applicants
Eligible expenses
- Research-related project costs
- Reasonable indirect costs up to 13% of the recipient-administered grant value
- Knowledge sharing and dissemination costs
- Data management plan implementation costs
- Travel costs for network and coordination activities
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Basic operating expenses
- Endowments
- Facilities for schools, colleges, universities, or human services organizations
- Individual academic studies or tuition, including MA and PhD programs
- Profit-making activities
Eligible geographic areas
- Sub-Saharan African low- and middle-income countries
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened for eligibility first.
- Shortlisted concept notes are reviewed by an internal IDRC committee.
- Only shortlisted teams are invited to submit full proposals.
- Selected applicants must sign IDRC’s standard Grant Agreement before funding is issued.
- Final funding is subject to country approval where required and to IDRC’s institutional assessment.
Additional information
- Only shortlisted teams will be invited to submit a full proposal.
- Successful applicants must sign IDRC’s standard Grant Agreement.
- Applicants must comply with IDRC’s open access and data management requirements.
- Project teams will participate in AI4D joint learning and coordination activities.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Call for concept notes: Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Call for concept notes: Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Call for concept notes: Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa?
This program funds research on the socio-economic impacts of AI in Africa, with grants of up to CAD 1 million per project. It supports studies on labour, productivity, inequality, and AI colonialism, including policy-relevant research and knowledge sharing.
How much funding can be received?
Call for concept notes: Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa Funds up to $1,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Call for concept notes: Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa program?
To be eligible for the Call for concept notes: Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa program, you must:
Legally registered in sub-Saharan African LMICs
Relevant expertise and institutional capacity
Independent legal status to manage funds
What expenses are eligible under Call for concept notes: Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa?
Research on the socio-economic impacts of AI in Africa
Studies on labour and livelihoods
Research on productivity and economic transformation
Research on poverty, inequality, and exclusion
Research on global inequality and AI colonialism
Who can I contact for more information about the Call for concept notes: Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa?
You can contact CRDI (IDRC) by email at ai4dafrica@idrc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Call for concept notes: Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa available?
The Call for concept notes: Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa program is available across Canada.
Is the Call for concept notes: Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Call for concept notes: Socio-economic impacts of artificial intelligence in Africa is a Grant and Funding