Flagship Projects

AI4D’s flagship projects are high-impact initiatives setting the standard for responsible AI development. They tackle pressing challenges, deliver impactful solutions, and advance progress towards responsible AI across the Global South.

Countries funded solely by the IDRC

Artificial Intelligence for Global Health

The AI4GH initiative supports robust, innovative and interdisciplinary research projects and processes across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa. Each activity within AI4GH promotes ‘responsible AI’ (solutions that are ethical, inclusive, rights-respecting and sustainable) that aims to strengthen gender equality and inclusion, and integrate plans for sustainability, scale and influence. This initiative aims to build regional and global networks across a range of actors, including researchers, policymakers, practitioners, the private sector and civil society.

Policy Health Nigeria, Ethiopia + 32

Lab for the Ethics, Policy and Scaling of Responsible AI (LEPSAI)

Responsible AI can tackle Africa’s development challenges, but scaling real-world solutions is critical. This project establishes a lab to guide scaling efforts, mentor innovators, and develop use cases, enhancing collaboration and advancing an inclusive AI ecosystem across the continent.

Innovation Networks Responsible AI Kenya

Global Index on Responsible AI

The Global Index on Responsible AI offers a comprehensive benchmark of countries' commitment to responsible AI, specifically ensuring human rights protections. This project will track emerging trends over time, amplify marginalised voices and provide actionable recommendations to policymakers to align technological advancements with ethical principles and societal wellbeing.

Policy South Africa

AI4D Network of Labs

The AI Network of Labs, supported by the AI for Development (AI4D) initiative, connects research and innovation laboratories across Africa to advance responsible, locally relevant artificial intelligence. Operating in multiple countries, the network addresses key development challenges across sectors such as health, agriculture, education, climate, language technologies, and AI governance, while strengthening local capacity and collaboration.

AI Labs LanguageHealthAgricultureEducationClimateDisability InclusionSafety Tanzania, Ethiopia + 9

AI Evidence Alliance for Social Impact

Born out of the AI for Development Funders’ Collaborative, the AI Evidence Alliance for Social Impact is the first phase of a broader collaboration among global funders focused on advancing AI evaluation. It represents a cross-donor effort, co-financed by IDRC, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Community Jameel, and Google.org.

Innovation Networks Monitoring and Evaluation
GIRAI 1st Edition Report
The Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI) is the first-of-its-kind tool to benchmark and assess responsible AI practices worldwide advancing equitable innovation and governance.
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