Deadline: October 3, 2025
The EthiopiAI Programme: Call for Proposals 2025 by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is now open. This funding opportunity seeks innovative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that can transform Ethiopia’s health, education, humanitarian response, economic development, and climate action sectors.
Successful applicants will not only design and implement AI solutions but also strengthen Ethiopia’s institutional capacity to use AI responsibly and sustainably in public systems.
About the EthiopiAI Programme
The EthiopiAI programme is designed to support the development of responsible AI applications in Ethiopia. Its main objectives are:
- AI for Development: Delivering automation and optimisation solutions in health, education, humanitarian emergencies, economic growth, and climate action.
- Capacity Building: Equipping civil servants and local institutions with the skills and tools to sustain AI usage.
- Policy & Governance: Supporting the development of ethical and regulatory frameworks for AI in Ethiopia, ensuring its responsible application.
Who Can Apply?
- Legally registered organisations or consortia.
- UK-based non-profit organisations and NGOs.
- For-profit organisations are not eligible.
- Applicants must demonstrate the expertise and capacity to work directly with Ethiopian government institutions and policymakers.
Funding Information
- Total available funding: More than £1,000,000.
- Deadline for submission: 3 October 2025, 1:00 PM (Eastern Africa Time).
Priority Sectors
The programme focuses on the following priority sectors in Ethiopia:
- Health
- Education
- Humanitarian emergencies and disaster response
- Economic development
- Climate action
Proposal Requirements
Proposals must include the following components:
- Executive Summary
- Technical Approach & Methodology – outlining how AI will be designed, implemented, and deployed.
- Team Skills & Experience – demonstrating relevant expertise.
- Capacity-Building Plan – detailed training and sustainability approach.
- Policy Engagement Strategy – plan for working with policymakers and regulators.
- Local Partnerships – collaboration with government institutions, NGOs, or academia.
- Work Plan & Timeline
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Framework – measurable outcomes and impact indicators.
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation Plan
- Budget – detailed cost breakdown using the provided template (staffing, travel, development, training, etc.).
Application Format
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CVs) of key personnel
- Technical Proposal – maximum of 10 pages (Arial, size 12, excluding annexes)
- Annexes – work plans, budgets, references, etc.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Emphasise local partnerships in Ethiopia for credibility and sustainability.
- Showcase experience in ethical AI and public sector engagement.
- Provide a clear capacity-building plan to ensure sustainability.
- Outline a strong monitoring & evaluation framework with measurable results.
- Present a realistic and transparent budget, adhering to the official template.
- Address potential risks such as bias, data privacy, and security concerns in AI deployment.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: 3 October 2025, 1:00 PM Eastern Africa Time.
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Conclusion
The EthiopiAI Programme: Call for Proposals 2025 offers an exciting opportunity for organisations to contribute to Ethiopia’s digital transformation and sustainable development. By combining AI innovation with capacity building and responsible governance, successful projects will help unlock the potential of artificial intelligence for social good.
👉 Apply for the EthiopiAI Programme
👉 Read more about the EthiopiAI Programme
📌 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
