Call for Applications: the 2026 AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship Program for digital innovators (monthly stipend of 2500 Euros)

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Closing Date: Not Specified

Call for Applications: the 2026 AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship Program for digital innovators (monthly stipend of 2500 Euros)

Overview

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

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.

Who can apply for the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship?

The 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
Be sufficiently proficient in English to actively participate; proficiency in another AU official language (Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Swahili) is strongly encouraged

The fellowship actively encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to foster equity, diverse perspectives, and inclusive innovation within the cohort.