Applications are now open for the 2026-2028 AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Programme, a fully funded, one-year leadership and corporate fellowship in Germany for outstanding young African professionals.
AFRIKA KOMMT! connects visionary emerging leaders from across Africa with leading German companies. While fellows gain first-hand experience in Germany’s corporate sector, participating companies benefit from the fellows’ expertise, regional insights, and local networks across Africa.
The programme offers a transformational professional and personal experience designed to foster long-term cooperation between African leaders and German industry.
About the Programme
At the heart of AFRIKA KOMMT! is a one-year stay in Germany, where selected fellows work directly with partner companies while participating in structured leadership development activities coordinated by GIZ.
The programme prepares young leaders to drive economic and social development in their home countries by strengthening sustainable partnerships with German businesses.
Programme Components
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Professional Selection Process
Fellows are chosen through a rigorous, multi-stage selection process conducted in collaboration with participating German companies.
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Language and Cultural Integration
The programme begins with intensive German language training and cultural preparation, helping fellows integrate into German society and corporate life. Participants also visit cultural heritage sites in Germany.
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Management Training
Fellows complete three intensive management training modules focused on:
- Intercultural competencies
- Leadership development
- Project and change management
- Conflict management
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Corporate Fellowship (8 Months)
Participants spend eight months working in their assigned German partner company, contributing to real projects and gaining hands-on professional experience.
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Networking and Community
Fellows participate in networking events alongside partner companies and fellow professionals, building long-term professional relationships.
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Alumni Phase
After completing the fellowship year, participants join the AFRIKA KOMMT! Alumni Network as ambassadors of knowledge transfer in their home countries.
The alumni phase includes:
- A one-week refresher course (in Germany or Africa)
- Alumni-led projects
- Continued networking and collaboration
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Programme Structure: Three Phases
Phase 1: Selection & Preparation
- Company fellowship profile definition
- Application and candidate screening
- Assessment Centre and final selection
- Preparatory German course in the home country
Phase 2: One-Year Stay in Germany
- Intensive German language course
- Three management training modules
- Eight-month company placement
- One-week study tour
- Weekend seminars and networking events
- Farewell ceremony hosted by the German Federal Foreign Office
Phase 3: Alumni Engagement
- Refresher course
- Participation in AFRIKA KOMMT! events
- Alumni-driven initiatives
- Ongoing networking
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Hold a university degree in a relevant field
- Have 2–5 years of professional work experience
- Demonstrate excellent English language proficiency
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application
Additional advantages:
- Postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA)
- Basic knowledge of the German language
Selection Criteria
Beyond academic and professional qualifications, candidates should demonstrate:
Language & Communication
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Willingness to learn German
Professional Attributes
- High leadership potential
- Self-motivation and initiative
- Strong commitment and goal orientation
- Ability to work effectively in teams
Personal Qualities
- Enthusiasm, flexibility, and resilience
- Open-mindedness and intercultural competence
- Adaptability to new environments
- Ability to reflect critically on personal behaviour and bias
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Why Apply?
The AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship offers:
- A fully funded year in Germany
- Direct corporate experience with leading German companies
- Advanced leadership and management training
- Long-term membership in a powerful alumni network
- A platform to contribute to sustainable development across Africa
Application Deadline
March 22, 2026
Apply for the AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Programme
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