Role overview
What you'll be stepping into
AI Lead at Emata
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Reports to: Chief AI Officer (CAIO)
Application Deadline: November 13, 2026
Application Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/ksAvwpzC84
About the Role
Want to build AI solutions that will transform agricultural lending globally? Emata is looking for an experienced AI professional with both hands-on technical and leadership experience to expand its algorithms to new crops and countries and integrate Generative AI (GenAI) and agentic AI into its operations.
About Emata
Emata is a frontrunner in agricultural finance in East Africa, backed by award-winning technology and a mission-driven team. Since launching in 2021, the company has served more than 70,000 farmers and partnered with over 120 agricultural companies and cooperatives. It combines data science, AI, and a deep commitment to agriculture.
Emata is now expanding beyond Uganda, starting with Tanzania and Rwanda.
Products: Digital loans, crop insurance, and payments.
Locations: Offices in Kampala and Mbarara, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Team: More than 25 engineers, data scientists, product specialists, and business professionals.
Culture and benefits: Cappuccinos from farmers the company lends to, freedom to innovate, health insurance, salary-backed loans, and ongoing training and certifications.
Emata values teamwork over titles, critical thinking over copying, ownership of outcomes, fast learning, and uncompromising integrity.
Key Responsibilities
As AI Lead, you will lead Emata's algorithms and applied AI work, ensuring that its credit models work effectively in new markets while applying AI across the business.
Your responsibilities will include:
Expand AI methods into new markets: Determine which methods can be transferred to new crops, partners, or countries, what needs to change, and how to make each expansion faster.
Improve algorithms: Conduct experiments, test assumptions, and investigate why models behave differently across different environments.
Implement GenAI and agentic AI: Select use cases based on value, cost, and risk; deploy the most promising solutions in daily operations with appropriate human oversight; and make informed decisions about what to scale, modify, or discontinue.
Ensure reliable AI production: Work with the ML engineering team to move models from experimentation into dependable services and help shape the platform as the company grows.
Deliver measurable results: Support faster partner onboarding, better lending decisions, and reduced manual work.
Lead and communicate: Coach team members in your area and explain your work clearly to partners and investors.
Your First Year at Emata
You will work closely with the Chief AI Officer (CAIO), who has 18 years of experience in top-tier technology consulting. The CAIO sets the direction, while you exercise your own judgement and take responsibility for delivery.
First 3 months – Learn and plan
Learn Emata's methods, data, and platform; spend time in the field; and agree on a roadmap with the CAIO.
By 6 months – Deliver
Launch model improvements, demonstrate evidence supporting expansion into new crops or markets, and put the first GenAI use cases into operation.
By 12 months – Scale
Ensure AI runs reliably in production and delivers measurable value. Make expansion faster and prepare the team to support a larger business.
Candidate Requirements
You may be a suitable candidate if you are:
Experienced: You have at least 6 years of experience in data science, machine learning, or AI, including at least 2 years leading technical delivery.
Broadly skilled: You have applied AI to diverse problems and adapted your approach when initial solutions did not work.
Experienced in production: You have deployed and scaled AI solutions while maintaining quality, reliability, and cost efficiency.
Technically strong: You have expertise in statistics, machine learning, programming, and hands-on GenAI, supported by a quantitative degree or equivalent experience.
A fast learner: You are willing to learn Emata's methods. Previous experience in credit or agricultural finance is not required.
You should be hands-on, value teamwork over titles, and be capable of developing your own approach to solving problems. You should also be comfortable communicating with everyone from farmers to investors and be motivated by work that makes a meaningful difference.
Emata prefers candidates with experience living or working in frontier markets, especially in Africa.
Relocation: Candidates who are not based in Uganda will be supported with relocation to Uganda, including a flight, work permit, and housing allowance.
What Emata Offers
Emata offers a unique opportunity to lead AI at an award-winning, venture-capital-backed startup that is transforming how African farmers access finance.
Benefits include:
A competitive compensation package.
Health insurance.
Salary-backed loans.
A growth budget.
A friendly, hardworking team.
How to Apply
Are you ready to make a real impact in agricultural finance through AI?
Submit your application before November 13, 2026.
Apply here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/ksAvwpzC84
How to apply