(I). The Context
About ACTS
The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is implementing the Artificial Intelligence for Development in Africa (AI4D) Scholarship Project to foster and nurture talent in responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in African public universities. The project, which is currently on a 6 month extension phase after it came to a close in march 2024, , is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), aims to meet the growing demand for research and development in responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the continent.
Specifically, the project is supporting selected scholars to undertake and successfully complete PhD research in AI and ML in African universities; and early career academics (ECA) to strengthen their research and development capacities in the two areas. Special consideration is given to research projects on responsible AI innovation for sustainable development, gender equity, equitable regional distribution in low-income countries. ACTS is implementing the AI4D Africa scholarship project in partnership with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology in Ghana; University of Linkoping, Sweden and Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Senegal. Other partners include the Regents of the University of California, United States; Human Sciences Research Council and Institute for Humanities in Africa based in South Africa; and the University of Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique.
(II). Objectives of the Consultancy
The goal of this synthesis is to provide information regarding the potential/weakness for scaling AI related research outputs in Africa to catalyze socio-economic development in the continent. The main objective is to examine opportunities and challenges emanating from AI4D research projects that could hinder or facilitate scaling of AI research projects for commercial use. Specifically, the synthesis will focus on the following objectives:
(a). Evaluate the extent to which AI4D Africa projects are scalable
- To what extent are the AI4D Africa projects Africa scalable?
- Are there strategies for scalability?
- How many projects have the potential to be scaled up and commercialized?
(b). Analyse the challenges and opportunities for scaling of AI4D Africa projects
- What challenges would make the projects not to be scaled up?
- What resources/infrastructure are needed for the project to be scaled up?
- What are the potential legal challenges associated with scaling up the project?
- What emerging technologies or trends might impact the future scalability of the project?
(c). Determine the potential impact/economic benefits of scaling the AI4D Africa projects
- What are the expected benefits of scaling the projects?
- What are the potential impact/economic benefits of the projects after being scaled up?
- How are these initiatives aligned with the SDGs)? Which ones are directly contributing to the achievement of specific SDGs?
(d). Find out viable collaborations/partnership required for effective scaling of research projects
- To what extent have the research projects involved relevant stakeholder necessary for effective scaling?
- What regulatory requirements must be met for the project to be scaled up?
- What potential partnerships or collaborations are involved in the project?
- Is there involvement of the private sector and there external partners?
(III). Key Components of the report
- Executive summary
- Context- background, problem statement, objectives, significance
- Methodology
- Key findings
- Lessons learned
- Conclusions and recommendations
(IV). Qualifications and Experience
The consultant must have a PhD and should have good knowledge of the AI4D Africa project.
(V). Deliverables
The consultant will be expected to deliver the following products.
- Inception Report (5pages)
- Draft Synthesis report
- Final Synthesis report (20-30 pages including annexes).
- Executive summary report (1 page)
(VI). Supervision
The consultant will be supervised by the AI4D Africa team at ACTS lead by the Head of the Digital Economy Department, Dr Winston Ojenge.
(VII). Timelines
This task should be completed within 10 working days and not later than 15 August, 2024.
(VIII). Payment
The consultant will be paid a lumpsum of USD 1500 inclusive of tax after satisfactory submitting the deliverables mentioned above.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their applications and CV along with the names of three referees to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 16:00hrs on Wednesday July 10th, 2024
