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

Meet the Fellows!

This cohort of the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship brings together a dynamic group of young African professionals, keen on driving innovation and digital transformation across the continent. Coming from diverse backgrounds in technology, digital communications, data, business analysis and digital systems, the fellows contribute their expertise to shape inclusive, future-oriented solutions for Africa from within the African Union system.

Abdul-Gafur Saeed, Full Stack Developer Fellow – Management Information Systems (MIS) Directorate

Abdul-Gafur is a full-stack developer whose work focuses on building efficient, accessible, and user-centered digital solutions that support institutional transformation and improve service delivery. Through the fellowship, he aims to strengthen digital innovation within African Union institutions while expanding his expertise in building scalable systems with long-term continental impact.

Amanuel Zewdu, Full Stack Developer Fellow – Information and Communication Directorate (ICD)

Amanuel is a full-stack engineer and digital transformation practitioner with over a decade of experience building the systems that power Africa’s institutions and the citizens they serve. Through the fellowship, he aims to contribute to scalable, inclusive, and future-focused technology solutions within African Union institutions.

Antoine Ntalumeso, Data Analyst Fellow – Office of the Director General (ODG)

Antoine is a data and innovation enthusiast committed to honing analytics to support strategic decision-making and institutional growth. Through the fellowship, he aims to contribute to data-driven governance and strengthen digital transformation initiatives within the African Union ecosystem.

Henok Kinde Demelash, Full Stack Developer Fellow – Directorate of Education, Science, Technology & Innovation (ESTI)

Henok is a digital strategist and youth advocate passionate about building technology solutions that strengthen Africa’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem. Through the fellowship, he aims to represent youth voices, support evidence-based policymaking, and create digital systems that continue generating impact long after the fellowship.

Lino Chuol Deng Chuol, Data Analytics and Monitoring Systems Fellow – The African Minister’s Council on Water (AMCOW)

Lino is a data scientist and technology strategist focused on designing intelligent systems for real-world impact. His work through the fellowship centers on strengthening water data systems across Africa to support informed decision-making and sustainable development.

Marieh Musimenta, Full Stack Developer Fellow – Women, Gender & Youth Directorate (WGYD)

Marieh is passionate about creating accessible digital solutions that empower communities and foster inclusion. Motivated by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, she joined the fellowship to strengthen her technical expertise, collaborate with like-minded innovators, and support the African Union’s digital transformation agenda.

Newton Paul Muchira Munene, SAP and Business Intelligence Fellow – Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Unit, Management Information Systems (MIS) Directorate

Newton is an ERP specialist passionate about building scalable digital infrastructure, optimizing institutional systems, and supporting operational excellence across Africa. Through the fellowship, he aims to deepen his expertise in enterprise systems and contribute to impactful digital transformation initiatives within the African Union.

Phiwayinkosi Asemahle Dlamini, Data Analyst Fellow – Women, Gender & Youth Directorate (WGYD)

Phiwayinkosi is passionate about leveraging data and technology to create meaningful opportunities for young people across Africa. Through the fellowship, he aims to strengthen data-driven decision-making and contribute to impactful youth-focused digital initiatives.

Princess Tolisa Ogbechie, HR Digital Systems and Process Analyst – Human Resources Management Directorate (HRMD)

Princess is a systems engineer and operations specialist, passionate about simplifying HR processes and advancing innovative digital practices that strengthen institutional effectiveness and efficiency. Through the fellowship, she aims to build digital workflows that modernize the institutional systems within the African Union while expanding her expertise in continental system structures.

Seipati Mphetang, Digital Product and Programme Systems Fellow – AUDA-NEPAD Coordination Unit

Seipati is passionate about digital innovation and programme systems that drive sustainable development across Africa. She joined the fellowship with the goal of expanding her knowledge in digital systems design, collaborating with changemakers across Africa, and supporting impactful innovation within African Union institutions.

Seka Jean Blaise, Business Analyst Fellow – Management Information Systems (MIS) Directorate

Seka combines analytical thinking with a passion for technology and innovation. Through the fellowship, he aims to strengthen his expertise in digital transformation, contribute to data-driven institutional development, and collaborate on innovative solutions that support the African Union’s strategic objectives.

Soheyb Hadjab, Digital Communications Fellow – Cabinet of the Deputy Chairperson

Soheyb is a communications professional passionate about storytelling, digital engagement, and public impact. Through the fellowship, he aims to strengthen digital communications strategies that connect institutions with citizens and amplify Africa’s innovation narratives.

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).