Terms of Reference (Lead Research Expert)
AfriLabs Background
AfriLabs is a network organization supporting over 500 technology and innovation hubs across 53 African countries. We support the growth of technology hubs and their community to raise high potential entrepreneurs that will stimulate economic growth and social development in Africa. We do this by providing capacity building resources, financing, mentoring and networking opportunities to our network members.
World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) Background
WISE is a dynamic platform that promotes innovation in education through a diverse portfolio of initiatives in policy engagement, research, leadership, and practitioner programs. The WISE community is made up of a network of education stakeholders – from students to decision-makers – from about 200 countries who share ideas and collaborate to seek creative solutions to solve challenges facing education.
Education Collaborative (EC) Background
The Education Collaborative spearheads a collective engagement model that promises to transform higher education outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative uses a network approach to build trust and foster collective commitments among higher education leaders and stakeholders to generate sustainable results within the systems they govern and influence. Central to this pioneering movement is a membership model that promotes open engagement, sharing, and community accountability among participating institutions.
About the AI Integration in African Universities and AI-Powered Solutions by African EdTech Startups Study
The objectives of this study align with WISE’s mission to promote educational innovation globally, with a specific focus on the Global South. The collaborative efforts between AfriLabs and the Education Collaborative (EC) will ensure that the study delivers actionable insights and practical recommendations including:
Create a detailed map of AI-driven EdTech startups across Africa, identifying the key players in the field and understanding their focus areas in higher education.
Evaluate the scalability and impact of these AI-powered solutions on higher education, identifying the startups with the highest potential for broad adoption and transformative impact.
Propose models for collaboration between African universities and EdTech startups, offering pathways for institutions to adopt and integrate AI solutions in a sustainable and impactful manner.
Identify both the challenges and opportunities for scaling AI-powered solutions in African higher education, offering recommendations for overcoming barriers such as infrastructure gaps, funding shortages, and policy constraints.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Lead Research Expert to lead the research of a comprehensive Pan-African mapping exercise for the AI Integration in African Universities and AI-Powered Solutions by African EdTech Startups Study.
Scope of Work
Research Design & Methodology: Develop a robust research framework and methodology for mapping the African Innovation Ecosystem, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all thematic hubs.
Stakeholder Engagement: Identify and engage with key stakeholders across the African continent, including investors, innovation hubs, startups, service providers, and government entities.
Data Collection & Analysis: Collect, organize, and analyze data on the state of the startup ecosystem in Africa. This includes the identification of top-funded startups, innovation centers, and available funding opportunities.
Gap & Opportunity Analysis: Identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities within the ecosystem.
Reporting & Documentation: Prepare detailed reports that provide insights into the ecosystem, including stakeholder mapping, analysis of innovation centers, startups, and investment opportunities.
Collaboration Facilitation: Highlight potential partnerships between stakeholders and facilitate connections to strengthen the innovation ecosystem.
Strategic Recommendations: Provide actionable recommendations based on research findings to inform the research’s strategy and initiatives.
Qualifications & Experience
Education: Advanced degree in Business, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field.
Experience:
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in research, particularly within innovation ecosystems, startup development, or economic development in Africa.
Proven track record of leading large-scale research projects across multiple countries.
Strong knowledge of the African startup ecosystem, including familiarity with key stakeholders and sectors.
Skills:
Excellent research, analytical, and data interpretation skills.
Strong communication and report-writing skills.
Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and build partnerships.
Proficient in data analysis tools and methodologies.
Attributes:
Strategic thinker with a strong understanding of the African innovation landscape.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
High attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
Flexibility and adaptability to work across different cultural contexts.
Start Date: Immediately
Location: Remote
Remuneration: TBD
Program Duration: From April to November 2025
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their detailed CV, cover letter, and a sample of previous research work to procurement@afrilabs.com by 18th April 2025. Please note that Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, so we encourage early applications. The position will remain open until it is filled.
Also interested candidate should download and fill the vendor information form