Terms of Reference (Support 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 Research Expert to support the Lead Research Expert in conducting comprehensive research and analysis for the Pan-African mapping exercise for the AI Integration in African Universities and AI-Powered Solutions by African EdTech Startups Study. The role includes supporting data collection, conducting literature reviews, analyzing findings, and contributing to the final research reports. This position is suited for an individual with a passion for research and a strong interest in the African startup ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
Research Assistance: Assist the Lead Research Expert in designing and implementing research methodologies to map the African innovation ecosystem. This includes supporting data collection, interviews, and stakeholder engagement.
Literature Review: Conduct thorough literature reviews on relevant topics, including startup ecosystems, innovation hubs, investment trends, and government policies across Africa.
Data Collection Support: Participate in the collection of qualitative and quantitative data from various stakeholders, including startups, investors, innovation hubs, and universities.
Data Analysis: Assist in the analysis of collected data, identifying key trends, gaps, and opportunities within the African innovation ecosystem. Support the synthesis of findings into coherent insights.
Report Writing: Contribute to the drafting of research reports, policy briefs, and other project deliverables. Ensure that all written outputs are clear, accurate, and aligned with the project’s objectives.
Stakeholder Engagement: Support the team in engaging with key stakeholders across the continent, ensuring that their insights and contributions are effectively integrated into the research.
Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of research activities, data sources, and stakeholder interactions. Ensure that all research materials are organized and accessible to the team.
Collaboration: Work closely with the Lead Research Expert, Data Analysts, and other team members to ensure that research activities are well coordinated and meet project deadlines.
Continuous Learning: Stay informed about the latest developments in the African startup ecosystem and research methodologies. Seek opportunities to enhance your research skills and knowledge.
Qualifications and Experience
Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, Business, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. A strong academic background in research is highly desirable.
Experience:
Experience in conducting research, particularly in areas related to innovation, entrepreneurship, or economic development.
Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis is preferred.
Skills:
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and extract meaningful insights.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations.
Proficiency in research tools and software, such as SPSS, NVivo, or other relevant tools, is an advantage.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Desirable:
Knowledge of the African startup ecosystem or experience working on projects related to economic development in Africa.
Fluency in English is required; additional language skills relevant to the African context are a plus.
Start Date: Immediately
Program Duration: From April to November 2025
Location: Remote
Remuneration: TBD
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 filled.
Also interested candidate should download and fill the vendor information form