Empowering African youth to drive digital innovation across Africa

AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship 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. 

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.

Launched in 2021, the fellowship supports the implementation of the AU Digital Transformation Strategy and Agenda 2063, opening concrete pathways for African youth to engage in continental governance and public sector innovation.

12 Fellows - One Mission

Driving Digital Transformation & Good Governance  — Starting its third cohort in April 2026, the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship continues to nurture a strong pipeline of African youth leaders. 

For this cohort, 12 fellows will be selected across different focus areas to work at the intersection of technology, data, innovation, and public sector transformation, based on pre-announced requirements. 

As a fellow, your core mission is to analyze systems, identify challenges, and co-develop solutions with AU staff to strengthen data management, enhance citizen engagement, and streamline operations within the AU systems.

How the fellowship supports you

Explore what to expect from the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship and how the program supports African youth digital innovators throughout their fellowship journey.

Capacity building and skill development

The fellowship provides structured capacity building and professional development tailored to the needs of African youth working in technology, data, and innovation. The purpose is to empower them to strengthen both technical and professional skills relevant to digital transformation, public sector innovation, and data-driven decision-making.

Immersive institutional experience

Fellows gain an immersive, hands-on experience by working closely with AU staff to co-develop data-driven and technology-enabled solutions. Through this approach, they address identified challenges within AU systems and contribute directly to improved governance, public service delivery, and institutional capacity.

Financial barrier-free pathway

Fellows receive a monthly stipend of 2500 Euros throughout the 12-month period, along with access to an in-kind equipment budget of up to 800 Euros and an individual learning budget of 500 Euros to support upskilling during the program.

International and continental exposure

Through two on-ground, interactive bootcamps in Addis Ababa and a mid-term delegation trip to Germany, fellows will access continental and international exposure through interaction with diverse stakeholders, policy actors, and partners across Africa and Europe. 

Institutional impact and knowledge transfer

Throughout the program, fellows play an active role in creating sustainable institutional change by embedding knowledge, tools, and digital practices within the AU systems. This approach ensures that each fellow’s work continues to create long-term value beyond the 12-month program duration.

Fellowship Timeline

February 2026

Open fellowship positions

March 2026

Applications close. Selection process starts

March 2026

Contracting & onboarding

April 2026

4-day kick-off bootcamp in Addis Ababa

April 2026 - March 2027

Placement & financial support

Summer 2026

Delegation trip to Germany

March 2027

Sustainability bootcamp & graduation

How does it work?

The fellowship follows a structured selection and placement process aligned with AU institutional needs.

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    Explore open fellowship positions

    All available fellowship positions are published on the Job Postings page. Review each role carefully to understand the focus areas, responsibilities, and eligibility criteria, so you can select the opportunities that best align with your skills and interests.

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    Check out the focus areas and requirements

    Each fellowship position has clearly defined focus areas and requirements. Take time to read these carefully to ensure your profile and experience match the expectations. This step helps you prepare a strong, targeted application.

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    Prepare your application materials

    Before applying, gather all required documents. You will need to submit your current CV highlighting relevant experience in technology, data, or digital innovation, a scan of your national ID or passport, and a brief of previous digital projects (if available).

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    Fill out the application form

    Applications must be submitted through the Job Postings page. This is the only way to be considered for the fellowship. Make sure your application is complete and accurate. If you need guidance during the process, you can reach out to our team at shc@enpact.org.

     

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    Check your e-mail

    You will receive an e-mail with the status of your application within three weeks. The e-mail will notify you if you are shortlisted, so that you can prepare for a quick interview, or share feedback in case we are unable to accommodate you in the programme. Please make sure to also regularly check spam.

Who can apply for the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship?

The AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship is open to African youth from digital innovators who are ready to contribute to digital transformation and public sector innovation within AU institutions. 

To qualify for the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship, candidates 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 a tertiary education degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
  • Demonstrate problem-solving skills and the ability to propose innovative, technology-driven solutions
  • Have experience in designing or implementing technology products or data-driven projects, including familiarity with relevant technical tools or stacks
  • Be able to commit 12 months to the fellowship, including relocation to Addis Ababa
  • Be willing and able to travel for bootcamps, delegation trips, and program activities
  • Proficiency in one of the African Union’s official languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Swahili). Strong command of English is considered an 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.

Applications are now closed.

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 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.

Program partners

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).

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