AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship Program 2026–2027 for African Youth (Fully Funded, Addis Ababa)

The African Union (AU) Digital & Innovation Fellowship Program is a 12-month immersive fellowship designed to empower Africa’s brightest young digital innovators to contribute directly to digital transformation, public sector innovation, and good governance within African Union institutions.

Launched in 2021, the fellowship supports the implementation of the AU Digital Transformation Strategy and Agenda 2063, creating structured pathways for African youth to engage in continental governance through data-driven and technology-enabled solutions.

Starting its third cohort in April 2026, the program will select 12 fellows to work closely with AU staff, co-developing innovative digital solutions that strengthen governance systems, improve public service delivery, and enhance institutional capacity across AU organs.

Fellowship Overview

The AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship places selected fellows within AU institutions for a full year, where they collaborate with policymakers, technical teams, and partners to analyze systems, identify challenges, and design practical digital solutions.

Fellows operate at the intersection of technology, data, innovation, and public sector reform, contributing to long-term institutional change while building strong professional and leadership capabilities.

About the Programme Partners

The AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship is developed and hosted by the African Union and implemented by enpact, with support from the GIZ DataCipation Programme, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Fellowship Benefits and Support

Selected fellows receive a comprehensive, barrier-free support package, including:

• A monthly stipend of 2,500 Euros for the full 12-month duration

• An in-kind equipment budget of up to 800 Euros

• A personal learning and upskilling budget of 500 Euros

• Structured capacity building and professional development

• Hands-on experience working within AU institutions

• Two on-ground bootcamps in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

• A mid-term delegation trip to Germany

• Exposure to continental and international stakeholders across Africa and Europe

Fellowship Duration and Location

• Duration: April 2026 – March 2027 (12 months)

• Primary Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

• Mobility: Travel required for bootcamps and delegation activities

Fellowship Timeline

• January 2026: Open fellowship positions announced

• February 2026: Applications close and selection process begins

• March 2026: Contracting and onboarding

• April 2026: 4-day kick-off bootcamp in Addis Ababa

• April 2026 – March 2027: Placement and financial support

• Summer 2026: Delegation trip to Germany

• March 2027: Sustainability bootcamp and graduation

Application Deadline: February 2026 (exact closing date to be announced)

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply through the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship Job Postings page once applications open. Applicants will be required to submit:

• A current CV highlighting experience in technology, data, or digital innovation

• A valid national ID or passport

• Documentation of previous digital or data-driven projects (if available)

Applicants will be notified of their application status via email within approximately three weeks of submission.

To receive updates when applications open, candidates are encouraged to express interest and sign up for notifications through the official programme platform.

Click here to access more fellowship opportunities.