Closing on: Feb 28, 2026
The African Union (AU) Digital and Innovation Fellowship is a prestigious 12-month immersive programme designed to empower Africa’s brightest youth innovators to drive digital transformation, good governance, and public sector innovation from within African Union institutions.
The programme will select 12 Fellows to work at the intersection of technology, data, innovation, and governance. Fellows are placed within AU institutions, where they collaborate directly with AU staff to identify challenges and co-develop impactful digital solutions.
What the Fellowship Offers:
- Capacity Building and Professional Development: Tailored training to strengthen technical, leadership, and innovation skills for public sector transformation.
- Immersive Institutional Experience: Hands-on collaboration with AU institutions to deliver real-world digital impact.
- Financial Support: Monthly stipend of €2,500, Equipment support of up to €800, Individual learning budget of €500
- International and Continental Exposure: Two in-person bootcamps in Addis Ababa, Mid-term delegation visit to Germany, Engagement with African and global policy and innovation actors
- Sustainable Institutional Impact: Fellows embed tools, practices, and knowledge that continue to add value beyond the fellowship period.
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an AU Member State and based in Africa
- Be under 35 years at the time of application
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving and innovation skills
- Have experience with technology or data-driven projects
- Commit fully to 12 months, including relocation to Addis Ababa
- Be proficient in English (other AU languages are an added advantage)