Introduction
Applications are now open for the Code for Africa (CfA) AI Sandbox Seed Grant. The Digitalise Youth consortium, through Code for Africa (CfA), is offering five seed grants to civil society organisations (CSOs) based in the Sahel, as well as neighbouring countries in West and East Africa.
Through this seed grant, selected CSOs will produce an MVP or working prototype that effectively addresses critical challenges including, but not limited to, digital rights and freedom of expression, misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and digital surveillance. Successful applicants will create or scale solutions that directly support their core missions and enhance their ability to operate safely and effectively in challenging digital environments.
Applicants should have a strong commitment to using human-centred solutions. Responsibilities for the selected participants include prototyping agile solutions, scaling existing solutions with AI, optimising performance for real-world use, integrating user feedback, and/or ensuring compliance with regional cybersecurity laws and cultural norms. Priority will be given to organisations with a strong track record of human rights defence, community engagement, and a clear commitment to ethical AI principles.
The Grant
- The grant will assist HRD organisations in prototyping or scaling AI solutions that directly support their core missions and enhance their ability to operate safely and effectively in challenging digital environments.
- The grant amount for the entire duration of the project is $3,000 (to support the HRD organisation’s technology team or to hire AI expertise).
- Grants will be awarded for six months, with the possibility of extension based on demonstrated progress, impact, and commitment to sustainability.
- Target groups are HRD organisations working in the Sahel region and neighbouring countries, with a specific focus on those operating in restrictive or hostile environments.
Focus Areas
- Analysis & Monitoring Tools
- Verification & Fact-Checking Solutions
- Collaboration & Engagement Solutions
- Inclusive Access Solutions
Eligibility Requirements
- Your organisation must be a registered non-profit or civil society organisation with a mandate to defend human rights in the Sahel region or neighbouring countries.
- You must have a dedicated technology team or demonstrate a clear plan to hire AI expertise to implement the proposed AI solution.
- You must provide evidence of a clear need for AI-powered tools to address specific challenges related to mis/disinformation, hate speech, or digital surveillance that your organisation faces in your human rights work.
- You must commit to ethical AI development and deployment practices, including data privacy, fairness, transparency, and accountability.
- You must demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and participatory design, ensuring that the AI solution is developed and deployed in a way that respects the needs and priorities of the communities you serve.
Grant Support
- CfA’s TechLab will provide hands-on guidance and mentorship on AI development, cybersecurity best practices, data privacy, and scalable system design.
- Partner institutions at Digitalise Youth consortium will offer strategic support on ethical AI implementation, human rights considerations, and navigating complex political landscapes.
- Grantees will have the opportunity to collaborate with other HRD organisations, technology experts, and policymakers through the Digitalise Youth project’s extensive network, including the Youth Democracy Cohort, Charter Project Africa, and other DDI initiatives.
- Successful projects will be showcased at regional and global forums, such as RightsCon, the Internet Governance Forum, and the Summit for Democracy, to promote learning, collaboration, and advocacy for digital rights.
Application Deadline
Application Deadline: 30th March 2026
Grant Atlas