Gates Foundation AI Fellows 2027. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is inviting applications for its 2027 Africa-based AI Fellows Program, a 12-month employment opportunity for professionals interested in applying artificial intelligence to challenges in healthcare, education and economic development across Africa.
The programme will bring selected fellows into the foundation’s regional teams, where they will work with governments, development partners and other stakeholders to develop and implement practical AI solutions.
Unlike conventional scholarship programmes, this fellowship is a fixed-term employment opportunity that offers hands-on project experience, mentorship and exposure to senior leaders working on development challenges.
Gates Foundation AI Fellows 2027: Locations and Employment Details
The fellowship positions are available in four African cities:
- Abuja, Nigeria
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Nairobi, Kenya
The programme runs for 12 months. Selected fellows will work with regional teams and take responsibility for one or two priority projects, while potentially contributing to other artificial intelligence initiatives.
Important: Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the country where their preferred position is based. The Gates Foundation will not provide visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.
This means Nigerian applicants interested in the Abuja position, for example, must meet the relevant employment eligibility requirements.
What Will Gates Foundation AI Fellows Do?
The programme focuses on developing and testing artificial intelligence tools that can address real-world challenges in African health and development systems.
Depending on their assignments, fellows may work on projects involving:
- Analysing public financing flows and identifying opportunities to improve resource allocation.
- Identifying bottlenecks in healthcare delivery systems.
- Reducing shortages of essential medicines.
- Predicting stock-out risks in medical supply chains.
- Developing AI tools to support better decision-making across development programmes.
Fellows may collaborate with teams working in Global Health, Gender Equality, Global Development and Global Growth & Opportunity.
Gates Foundation AI Fellows Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should have relevant academic qualifications, practical AI experience and an interest in using technology to solve development challenges.
The major requirements include:
- Educational qualification: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a related discipline.
- Work experience: At least two years of experience applying artificial intelligence solutions, preferably in healthcare or agricultural systems.
- Technical knowledge: Practical understanding of modern AI and machine learning, including model evaluation, large language models and the software and data skills required to develop complete solutions.
- Development interests: An interest in applying AI to healthcare systems, public finance, logistics and other development challenges.
- Communication skills: Strong collaboration, adaptability and communication abilities.
- Practical experience: Experience building prototypes with modern AI tools and sharing technical knowledge with colleagues.
- Responsible AI: A commitment to ethical and responsible AI development for public benefit.
Relevant experience may come from professional employment, research, internships or applied academic projects.
Benefits of the Gates Foundation AI Fellows Programme
Beyond the 12-month employment opportunity, the programme offers professional development and practical experience.
Selected fellows can expect:
- Opportunities to work on real-world AI projects.
- Direct exposure to senior leaders within the foundation.
- Mentorship and professional development.
- Responsibility for delivering priority projects.
- Collaboration with government agencies, non-profit organisations, universities and private-sector partners.
- Experience applying AI to major African development challenges.
The fellowship is particularly relevant to AI professionals who want to move beyond experimental projects and build technology solutions with measurable public impact.
How to Apply for the Gates Foundation AI Fellows 2027
Interested candidates should review the official vacancy announcement for the detailed job description, qualifications and application instructions.
Applicants should:
- Confirm that they meet the educational and technical experience requirements.
- Check the available positions and identify their preferred location.
- Confirm that they have the legal right to work in the selected country.
- Review the responsibilities and application requirements on the official Gates Foundation careers website.
- Submit their application through the official recruitment platform.
Application deadline: November 11, 2027, as stated in the supplied announcement. Candidates should confirm the deadline on the official vacancy page before applying.
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