Shaping AI from African Contexts Fellowship 2026: Key Details and How to Apply
Global AI development often overlooks African perspectives, leaving out vital cultural and social insights. The Shaping AI from African Contexts Fellowship 2026, also known as the LUNE 3 Fellowship, steps in to change that. This 10-week remote program targets Nigerian graduate and doctoral researchers. It focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, humanities, and social sciences.
This article covers key details. You will learn about the fellowship, its objectives, roles, timeline, curriculum, structure, faculty, outputs, benefits, and how to apply. These elements help researchers decide if it fits their goals.
Key Takeaways
- This 10-week remote fellowship targets Nigerian graduate and doctoral students in humanities, social sciences, or AI to explore AI’s societal impacts.
- Key roles include Fellows for domain knowledge, Navigators for technical support, Facilitators for leading sessions, and Mentors for personalized guidance.
- The program features weekly classes, mentoring, collaborative projects, and modules on AI ethics, digital humanities, and African epistemologies.
- Apply by April 20, 2026, via specific forms for your role to gain interdisciplinary skills and join a global AI network.
About the Shaping AI from African Contexts Fellowship 2026
The Shaping AI from African Contexts Fellowship 2026 offers a groundbreaking 10-week remote research program. It serves Nigerian graduate and doctoral researchers. They explore how AI connects with fields like history, sociology, philosophy, linguistics, and political science.
The program equips participants with key skills. It builds critical analytical skills to assess AI’s societal impacts. It provides foundational technical literacy to grasp how AI systems work. It offers practice-based research experience rooted in real-world contexts.
These steps aim to create scholar-practitioners. They bridge theory and practice to shape AI in African settings.
To join, check this simple eligibility list:
- Nigerian graduate or doctoral student status
- Background in humanities, social sciences, or AI technical fields
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary AI critique and African contexts
Fellowship Objectives
The fellowship centers African epistemologies and lived experiences. It reshapes AI discourse through clear goals. Here are the main objectives:
- Encourage interdisciplinary research that blends AI with humanities and social sciences
- Support scholarship that is locally grounded but globally relevant
- Build a community of researchers focused on AI critique and development
- Expand access to AI research in low-resource academic settings
- Establish a long-term network for ongoing collaboration
Fellowship Roles
The program provides four roles as entry points. They promote collaboration across disciplines. Each role suits different skills and interests.
Fellows
Fellows have backgrounds in humanities or social sciences. They explore AI links to their field. They add domain knowledge and team up with technical participants.
Eligibility:
- Graduate or doctoral student in humanities/social sciences
- Nigeria-based
- Interest in AI intersections
Navigators
Navigators bring technical skills in AI, computer science, or related areas. They offer insights to fellows. They also learn humanistic views for mutual growth.
Eligibility:
- Technical expertise in AI or computing
- Open to social science perspectives
- Nigeria-based preferred
Facilitators
Facilitators are experienced researchers or professionals. They lead 90-minute sessions on topics like digital humanities, AI applications, and ethics. They spark deep discussions.
Eligibility:
- Proven research or professional experience
- Expertise in AI-related topics
- Ability to lead sessions
Mentors
Mentors give one-on-one guidance. They spend 2-4 hours per month per fellow. They help build high-quality research projects with global standards.
Eligibility:
- Experience in global-level research
- Mentoring background
- Commitment to 2-4 hours monthly
| Role | Background Required | Key Responsibilities | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fellows | Humanities/social sciences | Domain knowledge, interdisciplinary research | Full 10 weeks |
| Navigators | AI technical expertise | Technical support, knowledge exchange | Full 10 weeks |
| Facilitators | Research/professional experience | Lead 90-minute sessions | At least one session |
| Mentors | Global research experience | Personalized project guidance | 2-4 hours/month |
Fellowship Timeline
The 2026 fellowship has a clear schedule. It moves participants from application to final projects. This table shows the key milestones:
| Milestone | Date/Period |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | April 20, 2026 |
| Finalists Announced | Mid to Late May 2026 |
| Fellowship Begins | Late May to Early June 2026 |
| Final Presentations and Closing | Late July to Early August 2026 |
The short timeline creates a focused, immersive experience.
Program Curriculum and Learning Modules
Module 0: Introduction to AI, Humanities, and Social Sciences
This starting module sets the foundation. It covers these key areas:
- AI as a socio-technical system
- How power, labor, and culture shape AI
- Dominant narratives versus Global South views
- Positionality, or one’s own viewpoint in research
- Mapping personal research to AI questions
Modules 1-3 and workshops build on this. They cover methodologies, practical tools, and collaboration. Topics may include AI ethics and digital humanities.
Program Structure
The fellowship runs remotely for wide access. Data stipends help with participation costs. Main components include:
- Weekly 90-minute classes led by faculty on AI topics
- Targeted mentoring to sharpen research ideas
- Collaborative assignments for peer learning across fields
- Exploratory projects with guidance from the team
These elements boost interdisciplinary skills.
Faculty and Mentorship Network
A diverse faculty guides participants. They are researchers, academics, and professionals at the AI forefront. Their expertise spans:
- AI governance
- Computational linguistics
- Political communication and emerging media
- Ethnographic research
- Digital humanities
- AI policy and law
This mix offers balanced perspectives.
Research Outputs and Previous Success
Participants add to African views on AI. They create lasting resources. From the LUNE TWO fellowship, outputs include:
- Compilations of fellow and navigator research
- Policy and academic references
- Examples of interdisciplinary projects
These build the long-term network.
Why Apply to the LUNE 3 Fellowship
This fellowship transforms careers. Key benefits include:
- Interdisciplinary expertise in AI and social sciences
- Collaboration with top researchers
- Hands-on research project with real impact
- Entry to a network shaping global AI debates
It creates scholar-practitioners for African contexts.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to apply:
- Pick your role and access the form: Fellow or Navigator application, Facilitator form, or Mentor application.
- Prepare your submission. Highlight your AI interest, field intersection, and African research commitment. Tailor it to the role and add interdisciplinary examples.
- Submit by April 20, 2026. Finalists learn results in mid to late May.
The Shaping AI from African Contexts Fellowship 2026 offers Nigerian researchers a chance to blend AI with humanities and social sciences for real impact. With roles for fellows, navigators, facilitators, and mentors, it builds skills and networks in just 10 weeks. Apply by April 20, 2026, to join this transformative program and shape AI from African views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Shaping AI from African Contexts Fellowship 2026?
Nigerian graduate or doctoral students in humanities, social sciences, or AI fields with interest in interdisciplinary work can apply as Fellows or Navigators.
What is the timeline for the fellowship?
Applications close on April 20, 2026; finalists are announced in mid to late May; the program runs from late May to early August 2026.
What are the main benefits of joining?
Participants gain AI literacy, research skills, collaboration with experts, and entry into a network shaping global AI debates from African contexts.
How do I apply for a role?
Choose your role, fill out the specific form linked for Fellows/Navigators, Facilitators, or Mentors, and submit by April 20, 2026, highlighting your relevant experience.