Competition

* Unless explicitly noted, all times indicated for deadlines are for the appropriate NL timezone (NST or NDT)

This call supports research that explores how AI is reshaping labour markets, productivity, and inequality across Africa, supporting policy makers to ensure AI works for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

We invite concept notes that explore the socio-economic impacts of AI in African LMICs, with a focus on differential impacts, inequality and marginalized populations. Projects should address key knowledge gaps and generate evidence to guide responsible AI policies.

Responsible AI is safe, inclusive, rights-based, ethical, and sustainable AI.

Research should align with one or more of the following themes:

• Labour and Livelihoods: How AI is transforming labour markets and employment, especially for youth and informal workers.  

• Productivity and Economic Transformation: The role of AI in reshaping sectors and supporting inclusive growth.

• Poverty and Inequality: Risks of exclusion and unequal benefit distribution across demographic groups.

• Global Inequality and AI Colonialism: Power imbalances in AI development and strategies for local innovation.

Through this call, AI4D will award up to four grants for up to CAD1 million per project. Projects must be completed within 36 months, including all research and reporting activities. Only short-listed teams will be asked to submit full research proposals for review and funding consideration. Selected projects are anticipated to begin on January 1, 2026.  Eligibility

Applicants must be legally registered organizations based in African low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with relevant expertise and institutional capacity. Proposals and team expertise must align with the call’s themes. Teams need to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the call.

If you have any questions about this call, please contact the AI4D team at ai4dafrica@idrc.ca before September 8, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. 

Following the launch of the call for proposals, IDRC will organize an information session to address any queries from potential applicants. This will take place on August 27, 2025, from 8 to 9 a.m. EDT. Click here to join the session.

In addition to the external funding agency’s submission procedures, this opportunity must also be submitted for Departmental, HSS Faculty, and Research Initiatives and Services (RIS) institutional reviews and approvals via Memorial's Researcher Portal (RP). In order to facilitate the HSS Faculty’s administrative review, please ensure "Heather C. O'Brien (Grants Facilitator)" and “Matthew Milner (Grants Facilitator)” are added as "Team Members" on your RP file. 

In accordance with University-wide approval protocols, all tabs of the RP file must be completed, the completed application must be uploaded to the “Attachments” tab, all supporting documentation including support for cash and in-kind commitments and/or letters of support must also be uploaded, and “Submit” must be pressed prior to the HSS internal deadline listed below. HSS cannot guarantee completion of an administrative review for application files that are incomplete and/or are submitted after the HSS deadline. For more detailed submission instructions and information, please consult the HSS Research Support Services website.

If you plan to apply to this competition or other research funding opportunities (as either PI or CI), e-mail an HSS Grants Facilitator, Heather C. O’Brien (HSSResearchAdmin@mun.ca or 864-8603) or Matthew Milner (HSSResearchGrants@mun.ca or 864-8050), to notify the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of your intent to apply. E-mailing the intent to apply as early as possible will help to facilitate an efficient review. A Grants Facilitator can answer any questions you may have about internal or external submission procedures and may also be able to help with proposal development.