The African Union (AU) Digital & Innovation Fellowship Program 2026 is a 12-month immersive initiative designed to empower Africa’s brightest digital innovators to work directly within African Union institutions. The fellowship offers young Africans a unique opportunity to contribute to continental governance by co-developing data-driven and technology-enabled solutions that strengthen public service delivery and institutional capacity.
Launched in 2021, the fellowship supports the implementation of the AU Digital Transformation Strategy and Agenda 2063, creating practical pathways for African youth to engage in public sector innovation and digital governance.
Fellowship Overview
The 2026 cohort will select 12 fellows to work across key focus areas at the intersection of technology, data, innovation, and governance. Fellows will collaborate closely with AU staff to analyse systems, identify institutional challenges, and co-create sustainable digital solutions that improve operations, data management, and citizen engagement.
The fellowship begins in April 2026 and runs through March 2027.
What Fellows Gain
Capacity Building and Skill Development
Fellows receive structured professional development tailored to public sector innovation, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making.
Immersive Institutional Experience
Participants work hands-on within AU institutions, contributing directly to governance reform and technology-enabled public services.
Financial Support
- €2,500 monthly stipend for 12 months
- €800 equipment budget
- €500 individual learning budget for upskilling
International and Continental Exposure
- 4-day kick-off bootcamp in Addis Ababa
- Mid-term delegation trip to Germany
- Engagement with policy actors and innovation partners across Africa and Europe
Long-Term Institutional Impact
Fellows embed tools, systems, and knowledge within AU institutions to ensure lasting impact beyond the fellowship period.
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Fellowship Timeline
- January 2026: Fellowship positions open
- February 2026: Applications close & selection begins
- March 2026: Contracting and onboarding
- April 2026: Kick-off bootcamp in Addis Ababa
- April 2026 – March 2027: Fellowship placement & financial support
- Summer 2026: Delegation trip to Germany
- March 2027: Sustainability bootcamp & graduation
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African Union member state and currently based in Africa
- Be under 35 years old at the time of application
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving and innovation skills
- Have experience designing or implementing technology or data-driven projects
- Be able to commit 12 months, including relocation to Addis Ababa
- Be willing to travel for bootcamps and program activities
- Be proficient in English (additional AU languages are an advantage)
Applications from women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.
How to Apply
- Review available fellowship roles on the Job Postings page
- Check focus areas and eligibility requirements
- Prepare required documents:
- Updated CV
- National ID or passport
- Brief summary of past digital or data projects (if available)
- Submit your application through the official fellowship portal
- Monitor your email for application updates and interview invitations
Program Partners
The AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship is developed by the African Union and implemented by enpact, with support from GIZ DataCipation, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Apply for the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship Program
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