New call for proposals strengthens German-Kenyan higher education cooperation: The Centre for Applied and Responsible Artificial Intelligence will connect teaching, research, and knowledge transfer to drive responsible AI development.

Relevance

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key technology with great transformative potential for the economy, science and society. As its use grows, so does the demand for highly qualified professionals and effective research networks that combine technical expertise with social responsibility – for AI that serves the common good.

The DAAD funding initiative supports the establishment of a "Centre of African Excellence for Applied and Responsible AI" in Kenya. It focuses on developing practice-oriented study programmes, expanding research capacities, and training highly qualified AI talent. The project builds on the High-Tech Agenda Germany and the Kenya AI Strategy, brings together German and Kenyan scientific expertise, connects the innovation ecosystems of both countries, and thereby strengthens international cooperation in the strategic field of AI.

The call for proposals is part of the Centres of African Excellence programme and is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) and the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

Objectives

The Centre aims to strengthen teaching, research, and innovation capacities in applied and responsible AI and to establish a sustainable German-Kenyan academic partnership.

Key objectives include:

• Expansion of practice-oriented study and continuing education programmes
• Qualification of students and early-career researchers
• Promotion of application-oriented research
• Development of sustainable institutional structures and networks

Call for Proposals

The initiative comprises two funding lines:

Funding Line A – Capacity Building, Education and Knowledge Transfer (funded by the German Federal Foreign Office)
Link to call

Funding Line B – Support for German and Kenyan PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers (funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space)
Link to call

Projects are eligible for funding only if applications are submitted for both funding lines.

Application deadline: 30 June 2026

Webinar on the Application Process

On 28 April 2026, a webinar on the application process will take place from 10:00 to 11:30 (CET). The session will focus in particular on the background and objectives of the programme, the funding concept, and questions relating to the application process. Interested higher education institutions can register by 23 April 2026 by emailing p31 at daad.de.

Funding Line A

Funding Line B