Deadline: 2-Nov-21
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is inviting applications from entities registered in Zambia that are involved in technology consulting and training, and/or innovation/incubation hubs and can train government and selected private sector data engineers, with emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), big data mining and analysis for decision making.
Objectives
The objective of this RFA is to select an implementing partner who will upskill selected government, private sector (eg, data scientists, AL engineers) and students in the field of computer science data engineers on AI, ML, big data mining and analysis to meet the following outcomes:
- Public and private sector partners learn how to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), big data and digital systems to deepen digital economies and financial inclusion, while promoting the greater use of digital technologies for Zambians, especially for marginalized segments of women & youth.
- Government partners can explore policy and regulatory opportunities to advance the application of digital technologies, machine learning, AI, and big data to deepen Zambia’s digital economy and financial sector.
Areas of Intervention
- Increased use of digital technologies
- Challenges: Many financial institutions collect a lot of information but are unable to utilize it properly. Artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data analysis can be leveraged to inform strategies to reach more women and youth with their product offering.
- Objective
- Train public and private sector partners on how to leverage and use artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data and apply digital technologies to scale digital and financial products that reach more women and youth.
- Train 40 individuals in data-related positions at UNCDF partners (eg, data scientists, AI engineers) including selected students in the field of computer science.
- Trained participants to deliver a solution for up to two organizations chosen by UNCDF for data modeling.
- Training on regulatory opportunities to advance digital technologies, machine learning, AI, and Big data
- Challenges: Limited understanding of disruptive technology to as technology is always ahead of the law. Digital technologies quickly evolve and many financial service providers are experimenting with disruptive technologies, artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data. Financial authorities are looking for an option to strike a balance between innovation, stability, customer protection and competition.
- Objective: Improve regulatory capacity to support early-stage AI, ML, and big data industry.
Funding Information
- UNCDF contributions will be up to US $ 50,000.
- Projects are expected to have a 6-month duration. Activities are expected to be terminated no later 28th February 2022. Final and assessment report will have to be submitted no later than 31st March 2022.
Eligibility Criteria
- Entity registration
- The applicant / lead applicant must be a registered entity in Zambia ie, technology consulting, innovation, or incubation hubs.
- Applicants shall have fulfilled all the obligations relating to the payment of social security contributions or obligations relating to the payment of taxes in accordance with legal provisions in force in the country of incorporation.
- Relevant operation licenses (when applicable)
- The lead applicant must be licensed to provide capacity on AI, Machine Learning, Data mining and analysis
- Country of operation
- Applicant (s) shall be duly incorporated and registered according to the rules of Zambia
- Applicants (s) should be operating in Zambia for at least one year and have audited financial statements for at least one year
- Consortia (when applicable)
- Applicants may apply only once under this RFA, whether independently or in a consortium.
- Joint applications between market players are encouraged if the solution proposed will expand delivery networks and promote rural and / or other last-mile access to inclusive digital financial products and services such as digital credit and savings that can drive financial inclusion especially among women and youth.
- Applications from consortiums of organizations must show that the partnership was established before submitting the proposals for this RFA
- The lead applicant and their partner must be registered entities with at least one year of operations and must have statutory accounts and audited financial statements for at least one operating year.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3mcUhbq