Application deadline: February 2026
The African Union (AU) has opened applications for the 2026 Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program, an intensive 12-month initiative designed to empower Africa’s foremost digital innovators within AU institutions.
This fellowship provides participants with a structured placement that includes customized professional development, international exposure, and financial support. The program aims to facilitate the co-development of data-driven, technology-enabled solutions to enhance governance, public service delivery, and institutional capacity across AU organizations.
Since its launch in 2021, the Fellowship has been integral to implementing the AU Digital Transformation Strategy and Agenda 2063, creating tangible pathways for African youth to engage in governance and public sector innovation across the continent.
Fostering Leadership Through Technology
As the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship prepares for its third cohort in April 2026, the program continues to cultivate a robust pipeline of emerging African leaders. This year, 12 fellows will be selected from diverse fields to work collaboratively at the intersection of technology, data, innovation, and public sector transformation. Each fellow’s mission will be to analyze systems, identify challenges, and co-develop solutions with AU staff to improve data management, enhance citizen engagement, and optimize operations within the AU framework.
The fellowship is tailored for young African digital innovators eager to contribute to advancements in both digital and public sectors. To qualify, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African Union member state currently residing in Africa
- Be under 35 years of age at the time of application
- Possess a higher education degree (minimum bachelor’s level)
- Exhibit problem-solving abilities and suggest innovative technology-driven solutions
- Have hands-on experience designing or implementing technology products or data-driven projects, with familiarity in relevant tech tools and stacks
- Be available for 12 months, including relocating to Addis Ababa
- Demonstrate proficiency in English to actively participate in program activities; knowledge of another AU official language (Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Swahili) is strongly recommended
Applications are particularly encouraged from women, individuals with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to ensure diversity and equity within the fellowship.
Comprehensive Benefits for Participants
The AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship offers a fully-funded experience encompassing:
Financial Support
A monthly stipend of €2,500 to cover living and professional expenses, along with an in-kind equipment budget of up to €800 for necessary tools and resources. Additionally, fellows will receive a personal learning budget of €500 to further enhance their skills.
Professional Development
Participants will benefit from structured training, mentorship from experts in innovation and technology, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, engaging with stakeholders from both Africa and the global community.
Educational Experience
Fellows will work within AU departments to co-develop technology and data solutions, gaining hands-on experience in actual governance and digital transformation projects.
Networking Opportunities
All expenses for a bootcamp in Addis Ababa will be covered, and fellows will also have the chance to partake in a delegation trip to Germany for international exchange, connecting with policymakers, technology leaders, and innovation partners across the continent.
Alumni Recognition
Upon completion, participants will receive certificates and graduate status, which can significantly enhance their future career opportunities.
The application process involves a structured selection and placement tailored to the specific needs of the AU. All available fellowship positions can be found on the AU’s jobs page, where candidates should review each role to ensure alignment with their skills and interests. Applicants should gather necessary documents, including an updated CV, a copy of their national ID or passport, and summaries of any previous digital projects.
Applications must be submitted through the designated jobs page to be considered for the fellowship. Interested candidates will receive an email regarding the status of their application within three weeks. Those selected as finalists will be contacted for potential interviews. Regular checks of personal email, including spam folders, are advised throughout the selection timeline.
- January 2026: Applications open
- February 2026: Applications close; selection begins
- March 2026: Contract and onboarding
- April 2026: 4-day kick-off bootcamp in Addis Ababa
- April 2026 – March 2027: Fellowship placement and financial support
- Summer 2026: Delegation trip to Germany
- March 2027: Sustainability bootcamp and graduation
For additional details, please visit the official webpage of the African Union (AU) Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program.
