Introduction
Qhala Trust is the nonprofit arm of Qhala Limited, working to expand digital inclusion and strengthen Africa’s technology ecosystem. Its activities combine research, artificial intelligence policy, digital infrastructure, training and collaboration. The organisation’s stated goal is to connect 100 million Africans to digital tools by 2030.
For donors and development partners, Qhala Trust offers opportunities to support African-led innovation, responsible AI adoption and digital skills. Its published work primarily describes programme delivery and partnerships, making it relevant to organisations seeking collaboration on technology and development.
History and Background
Establishment and Organisational Roots
Qhala Trust states that it was established in 2021 as the nonprofit arm of Qhala Limited, a technology firm founded in Nairobi, Kenya. The trust focuses on public-interest digital transformation, with an emphasis on equity, inclusion and African leadership.
Its operating model connects four areas: Research and Policy, Convenings, Build, and Talent. Together, these activities link evidence and policy development with technology deployment and the people needed to use and maintain digital systems.
Mission and Purpose
Qhala Trust’s mission centres on expanding access to digital tools to encourage growth, innovation and inclusion. Its vision is an Africa where people and institutions have the technology, knowledge and ability to shape their own futures.
The 2030 target represents an organisational ambition, rather than a reported achievement. Its programmes address several barriers to digital participation, including skills gaps, institutional readiness, infrastructure and the limited representation of African languages in AI systems.
Governance and Structure
Institutional Identity
Qhala Trust identifies itself as the nonprofit arm of Qhala Limited. The Gates Foundation’s published financial disclosures also identify a grant recipient named Qhala Trust Registered Trustees, with an address in Nairobi.
The official pages reviewed describe its organisational relationship and programme structure but do not provide a detailed trustee roster or explain board appointment procedures. Consequently, specific claims about its governing board, legal ownership or internal financial controls cannot be established from those pages.
Programme Organisation
Its work is organised around four pillars covering research, stakeholder collaboration, infrastructure and talent development. Its research activities serve governments, development partners, multilateral organisations and regulatory bodies.
Funding and Grants
Documented Philanthropic Support
The Gates Foundation’s grant database provides concrete examples of funding received by Qhala Trust. A November 2024 commitment of US$1,028,640, over 12 months, supported AI talent, governance, computing capacity and research in Africa.
A separate July 2024 commitment of US$305,583, over eight months, supported work to deepen understanding of smartphone needs among low-income women.
In February 2026, the foundation committed US$80,000 for a two-month initiative supporting coordination and partnerships for responsible AI solutions addressing public challenges. These records describe committed grants, rather than Qhala Trust’s total income or expenditure.
Opportunities for Collaboration
Qhala Trust invites engagement from funders, governments and researchers. Its website describes fellowships, training and research partnerships, but the reviewed pages do not establish a general programme of open research grants for external organisations. Prospective partners should explore the relevant programme directly.
Major Programs and Initiatives
AI Policy and Public-Sector Training
Qhala Trust supports national AI strategies, governance frameworks and institutional capacity. Its published initiatives include AI 101 Masterclasses for Policymakers, an AI Governance Toolkit, a trainer-of-trainers model and Q-Academy. Its AI Talent Readiness Index assesses readiness across all 54 African countries.
Africa AI Village
The Africa AI Village brings stakeholders together around computing capacity, data, talent, markets, governance and investment. Qhala Trust also describes ministerial roundtables and healthcare AI discussions that connect policymakers, researchers, developers and institutions.
Talent and Inclusion
Through Qubit Hub, the trust supports collaboration, experimentation, mentorship and learning. Its IDIA Fellowship addresses the gender gap in African AI research by supporting women researchers and practitioners and promoting technology responsive to local contexts.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Reported Reach
Qhala Trust reports training more than 500 policymakers and public servants, reaching more than 12 countries, publishing over 20 research papers, and deploying more than five digital products and platforms. These are organisationally reported outputs; the homepage does not specify their reporting period or an independent evaluation methodology.
Digital Infrastructure Examples
Its published portfolio includes NdimiAI, a voice AI platform addressing African languages and accents, and an AI media intelligence system for Nation Media Group’s historical journalism. It also describes public-sector data and planning initiatives with KIPPRA and Garissa County.
These examples demonstrate the range of its work. The available descriptions do not establish the funding source or independently measured outcomes for every project.
Conclusion
Qhala Trust connects digital inclusion, AI research, policy development and technology implementation. Its programmes offer donors and development partners several ways to support African-led capacity, including public-sector training, women’s participation in AI and locally relevant digital infrastructure.
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