Bridging AI Policy Horizons: Why I'm Applying to the IAPS Fellowship (And Why You Should Too)
The future of AI governance is being shaped today, and it needs African voices at the table.
When the first mobile phones spread across Africa in the early 2000s, they didn't just connect people—they revolutionized economies, healthcare systems, and educational opportunities. What took decades of infrastructure development in the West was leapfrogged in months as innovative solutions emerged from necessity.
Today, we stand at a similar inflection point with artificial intelligence. But this time, we have the opportunity to be part of shaping the technology from the beginning, rather than adapting it after the fact.
This is why I've decided to apply for the Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) AI Policy Fellowship for 2025—and why I believe other African professionals should consider it too.
What is the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship?
The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship is a fully-funded, three-month program designed to strengthen practical policy skills for managing both the challenges and opportunities of advanced AI. The program runs from September 1 to November 21, 2025, with options for remote participation or in-person work in Washington, D.C.
Applications are open until May 7, 2025 (12 PM Eastern Time), and the program offers substantial support:
Senior Fellows receive $22,000 and Fellows receive $15,000 as stipends for the 3-month program.
Both remote and in-person options are available.
Fellows work directly with policy experts on real-world AI governance projects.
Professional development and networking opportunities abound.
Why Africa needs a seat at the AI policy table
AI is not just another technology—it's a transformative force that will reshape how societies function, how economies operate, and how power is distributed globally. But as with all technological revolutions, those who shape the rules often shape the outcomes.
Consider these realities:
Data representation matters: AI systems trained predominantly on Western datasets fail to account for African contexts, languages, and needs.
Policy frameworks are being written now: The rules governing AI are being drafted in real-time, often without meaningful input from Africa and the Global South.
Unique opportunities and challenges: Africa's relationship with AI will be distinct, influenced by our unique development trajectories, demographic advantages, and existing technological ecosystems.
Preventing digital colonialism: Without African participation in governance structures, we risk perpetuating patterns of technological dependency.
The opportunities for positive AI impact in Africa are enormous—from precision agriculture that could revolutionize food security to AI-powered healthcare systems that extend medical expertise to remote areas. But these opportunities can only be realized if the governance frameworks accommodate our realities.
My plan for the fellowship
When I apply for this fellowship, I intend to focus on developing frameworks for inclusive AI governance that account for the diverse needs of developing economies. I'm particularly interested in exploring how AI safety and benefit-sharing mechanisms can be designed to work for nations at different stages of technological development.
The IAPS fellowship provides a platform to connect with leading experts and policymakers while building a track record of concrete policy contributions. Past fellows have gone on to work at organizations like Microsoft, RAND, The Future Society, and various government roles—precisely the kind of positions where African perspectives are desperately needed.
Why you should consider applying
Looking at the profiles of past fellows, I notice the conspicuous absence of African representation. This isn't surprising—these opportunities often fly under the radar in our networks—but it is concerning.
A key advantage for African professionals: You don't need to worry about US visa issues. The fellowship offers a fully remote option that allows participants to engage from anywhere in the world. IAPS explicitly welcomes remote fellows from many countries and provides support for virtual engagement. This removes one of the most significant barriers that often prevent African participation in prestigious international programs.
You should consider applying if:
You have experience in policy, technology, or both (industry, government, academia, civil society).
You're passionate about ensuring AI benefits humanity broadly, including across the African continent.
You're looking to build expertise in an area that will only grow in importance over the coming decades.
You want to help ensure African perspectives are represented in global AI governance.
The fellowship welcomes diverse backgrounds, and no specific technical expertise is required. Even if you don't have a traditional AI background, your unique perspective as an African professional could be invaluable.
What to expect from the application process
The selection process has three stages:
The application form.
A written task.
An interview.
IAPS expects to finalize selections by the end of June.
For more information, they're hosting an informational webinar on April 22 at 1:00 PM ET where prospective applicants can hear directly from IAPS staff and former fellows. You can register here.
The time to engage is now
There's a Swahili proverb that says, "Elimu ni bahari" — knowledge is an ocean. In the vast ocean of emerging AI policy, African perspectives must not be mere drops but substantial currents that help shape the direction of the tide.
As I prepare my application, I'm reminded that representation isn't just about having a seat at the table—it's about bringing the richness of our contexts, the wisdom of our traditions of consensus-building, and our unique insights into development challenges to global conversations about technology governance.
The application deadline is May 7th, 2025. If you're considering applying or have questions about my experience with the process, feel free to reach out.
Let's ensure that the future of AI governance includes African voices—not just as recipients of technology but as architects of its responsible development.
Are you planning to apply for the IAPS fellowship or similar AI policy programs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Might consider it but I would have to be focused on ethical inclusivity in representation of 'other' by AI. I have a few challenges with generative ai and the stereotypes it churns out as representation. But that's on a literature and human rights level.
I do agree, we need a seat on table. Apply! Best of luck.