Imagine a world where AI reflects African stories, cultures, and challenges instead of just Western views. The Shaping AI from African Contexts Fellowship 2026, also called the LUNE 3 Fellowship, makes this possible. It is a 10-week remote program for Nigerian graduate and doctoral researchers. They study AI alongside humanities and social sciences like history, sociology, and philosophy.
This article covers the program details, goals, roles, timeline, lessons, structure, reasons to join, and steps to apply. You will learn how to get involved before the deadline on April 20, 2026.
About the Shaping AI from African Contexts Fellowship 2026
The Shaping AI from African Contexts Fellowship 2026 is the LUNE 3 Fellowship. It targets Nigerian graduate and doctoral researchers. They explore how AI connects to humanities and social sciences. The program runs for 10 weeks online. It pushes participants to question common AI stories shaped by power, work, and culture.
The goal is to build scholar-practitioners. These are people who link ideas to real action in African settings. Participants gain key skills along the way:
- Critical analytical skills to check AI’s effects on society
- Foundational technical literacy to grasp how AI works
- Practice-based research experience tied to everyday contexts
Fellowship Objectives
This fellowship centers African ways of knowing and real-life experiences in AI talks. It pushes for change through clear goals. Here they are:
- Spark interdisciplinary research that mixes AI with humanities and social sciences
- Back scholarship rooted in local places but useful worldwide
- Build a group of researchers who critique and create AI
- Open up AI research chances in places with few resources
- Form a lasting network for ongoing work in global AI chats
Fellowship Roles and Participation Tracks
The program welcomes people with varied skills. It has four roles to spark teamwork across fields. Each one fits different strengths.
1. Fellows
Fellows come from humanities or social sciences. They share expert knowledge in their areas. They team up with tech-savvy people to make richer research on AI links.
2. Navigators
Navigators know AI, computer science, or similar fields. They help fellows with tech details. In return, they learn from social and human views. This setup creates a fair swap of ideas.
3. Facilitators
Facilitators are pros who run sessions. They lead at least one 90-minute talk. Topics cover digital humanities, AI uses, and ethics or rules for AI. They spark deep talks and clearer insights.
4. Mentors
Mentors guide one or two people closely. They give 2-4 hours a month. They help shape research projects to top levels. Mentors have done global-standard work.
| Role | Background Required | Key Responsibilities | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fellows | Humanities/social sciences graduate/doctoral | Bring field knowledge, collaborate on research | Full 10 weeks |
| Navigators | AI/computer science expertise | Provide tech support, learn social perspectives | Full 10 weeks |
| Facilitators | Experienced researcher/professional | Lead 90-minute sessions on key topics | At least one session |
| Mentors | Global research experience | Guide 1-2 participants on projects | 2-4 hours/month |
Eligibility Criteria for Each Role
Check if you fit before applying. Here are checklists for each role. They build on program needs and focus on African AI views.
- Fellows
- Nigerian graduate or doctoral student in humanities/social sciences
- Strong interest in AI ties to your field
- Ready for full 10-week commitment
- Open to interdisciplinary teamwork
- Navigators
- Background in AI, computer science, or tech fields
- Interest in African contexts for AI
- Willing to share tech skills and learn social views
- Full program participation
- Facilitators
- Experience in research or AI-related work
- Expertise in areas like ethics, digital humanities, or governance
- Able to lead a 90-minute online session
- Commitment to African-centered AI talks
- Mentors
- Proven track record in high-level research
- Time for 2-4 hours monthly guidance
- Passion for mentoring in AI and social sciences
- Focus on African perspectives
Fellowship Timeline
Key dates keep things on track. Act fast to meet the deadline. Here is the schedule:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Program Curriculum and Learning Modules
Module 0 starts strong. It covers AI basics as a mix of tech and society. Participants learn how power, work, and culture mold AI. They spot main stories versus Global South views. They also map their own research to AI questions and think about their own place in it.
Focus areas include:
- AI as a socio-technical system
- Power, labor, and culture in AI tech
- Dominant views vs. critical African takes
- Linking personal research to AI
Modules 1-3 and workshops go deeper. They teach ethics, governance tools, interdisciplinary ways, and group problem-solving.
Program Structure
The setup fits busy researchers. It runs online with help for all. Data stipends cover internet needs. Main parts are:
- Weekly 90-minute classes by faculty on AI topics
- One-on-one mentoring to sharpen ideas
- Group tasks for teamwork and peer learning
- Personal research projects with full support
Faculty and Mentorship Network
Top experts guide the group. They come from research, schools, and industry. Their skills cover:
- AI governance
- Computational linguistics
- Political communication and new media
- Ethnographic research
- Digital humanities
- AI policy and law
Research Outputs and Previous Cohort Insights
Past groups like LUNE TWO created key works. They shared research compilations on African AI views. These help policy and studies.
“This fellowship changed how I see AI. I gained skills and friends that last.” – LUNE TWO Fellow
Benefits include stronger networks and real outputs.
Why You Should Apply
This chance goes beyond classes. It lets you shape AI from Africa. You gain skills that matter. Key perks are:
- Interdisciplinary know-how in AI and social sciences
- Teamwork with top leaders
- A project with true impact
- Spot in a network changing global AI talks
How to Apply
Follow these steps to join. Pick your best role and move quick.
- Choose your role (Fellow, Navigator, Facilitator, or Mentor) based on skills.
- Check eligibility checklists above.
- Prepare your submission. Show your AI interest, field links, and African focus.
- Submit via the right link:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply as a Fellow in the LUNE 3 Fellowship?
Nigerian graduate or doctoral students in humanities or social sciences with interest in AI and readiness for the full 10-week program.
What is the timeline for the fellowship?
Applications close April 20, 2026; finalists announced mid to late May; program runs late May to early August 2026.
What skills do participants gain?
Critical analysis of AI’s societal effects, basic technical literacy, and practice-based research in African contexts.
How do I apply for the program?
Choose your role, check eligibility, prepare your submission showing AI interest and African focus, and use the specific forms for Fellows/Navigators, Facilitators, or Mentors.
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