The Tech Fellow will address key technical and strategic gaps in the design, integration, and sustainability of the Directorate’s digital platforms. The role exists to modernize the Africa Knowledge Sharing Portal (AKSP) and the Digital Library by improving system architecture and establishing reliable maintenance frameworks. Furthermore, the Fellow will drive the integration of an AI component into the Agenda 2063 Communications centralized platform to enhance efficiency and user engagement. By developing interoperability standards and ensuring platform scalability, the Fellow will ensure that the digital assets are secure, high-performing, and seamlessly synchronized across web and mobile applications.
Requirements
To be considered for the ‘AU Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program’ applicants must meet the following basic criteria to apply:
- Be a citizen of an African Union member state and currently based in Africa
- Be under the age of 35 at the time of application
- Hold a tertiary education degree (bachelor’s degree) or its equivalent
- Demonstrate the ability to analyze complex problems and propose innovative solutions
- Have experience and technical know-how in designing technology products or solutions and experience with the specific technical stack of the AU host department mentioned above
- Be available to dedicate 12 months to the fellowship, including relocation to Addis Ababa
- Be willing and able to travel to participate in induction and delegation workshops
- Be sufficiently proficient in at least one AU official language (Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Swahili). Proficiency in English is a strong asset.
The program is committed to equity and ensuring that all perspectives are included in the innovation process. We encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in this field, including women and persons with disabilities.
Qualifications and Experiences
- Professional Experience
- 5 years of relevant professional experience.
- Proven track record in full-stack development and the successful implementation of enterprise-level digital platforms.
- Technical Competencies
- Full-stack Development: Expertise in designing and maintaining robust system architectures and high-performance web/mobile applications.
- AI/ML Engineering: Practical experience in identifying and implementing AI use cases, particularly in the context of knowledge management and communications.
- Data Science / Data Analytics: Ability to develop data products and dashboards that enhance user insights and platform efficiency.
- Security & Infrastructure: Strong understanding of platform security, scalability, and mobile synchronization standards.
- Ability to work in a Microsoft-centric environment is desirable.
- Soft Skills and Professional Maturity
- Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical organizational solutions.
- Communication: Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, engage non-technical stakeholders, and produce clear technical documentation.
- Professionalism: High level of accountability and time management, with a demonstrated ability to work independently in a complex environment.
- Learning Agility: An adaptable mindset geared toward evolving digital technologies and organizational needs.
If you meet the requirements in terms of criteria, qualifications and experience, you are invited to fill out the online application form by the 1st of March 2026. The application must be filled out completely in English. As part of the application form, please be ready to upload the following documents:
- Your ID or passport
- Proof of residence in Africa
- Your tertiary education degree
- Your curriculum vitae (CV) with contact details of three traceable referees
- All relevant certificates demonstrating your qualifications
All complete and eligible applications will be evaluated. The highest ranked applicants will be invited for a 30-minute interview with representatives from the respective AU department. Interviews will be held from the 16th to the 19th of March. Please note that we offer you one time slot for the interview and rescheduling is only possible in exceptional circumstances.
The results of the selection process will be shared in the last week of March 2026. The selected fellow will then be asked to sign a fellowship agreement with enpact, as well as a secondment contract with the AU. The fellowship will begin on April 1st 2026.
Download the full job details & requirements (0.14 MB PDF)
About the program
The African Union (AU) Digital & Innovation Fellowship is a 12-month immersive program that empowers Africa’s brightest digital innovators to work from within AU institutions and create long-term value.
Through a structured placement within the AU system, fellows receive tailored capacity building, professional development, international exposure, and financial support throughout the duration of the program.
The purpose is to co-develop data-driven and technology-enabled solutions with AU staff, based on identified challenges and technological gaps, to strengthen governance, public service delivery, and institutional capacity across the AU institutions.
The AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship 2026/2027 is developed and hosted by the African Union and is implemented by enpact with the support of the GIZ DataCipation program, which is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
About the department
The Information and Communication Directorate (ICD) is mandated to manage the African Union’s corporate image and brand, serving as the central authority for all internal and external communication strategies. The Directorate ensures the effective dissemination of the Union’s policies and programs to Member States and the global public while acting as the official liaison for media relations and multimedia content production. By standardizing communication protocols across all AUC departments and organs, the ICD facilitates unified messaging and public advocacy to enhance the visibility of the Union’s flagship projects and strategic milestones.
About us
The non-profit organization enpact was founded in 2013 with the goal of empowering entrepreneurship in the context of international economic cooperation.
We work with entrepreneurs and business support organizations (BSOs) across all development stages.
Our approach is designed to facilitate quick and efficient access to the crucial resources needed for the sustainable growth of any business: financial support, training, mentoring, and network development. Through a variety of support projects built on this approach, we work with entrepreneurs and business support organizations (BSOs) in Africa, Asia, East Europe, Western Balkans and Latin America.
The goal is to create a global network of founders and ecosystem enablers to exchange knowledge, combine resources and collaborate to solve global challenges.
enpact is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, with regional offices in Egypt and representation in Moldova.
At present, enpact’s network consists of more than 3,200 businesses supported, 1,100 mentors and experts, and 200 partner organizations in over 30 countries. Over 15,000 jobs have been created or preserved as a direct result of 40 projects implemented by enpact.