Empowering African Youth to Drive Digital Innovation Across Africa Africa’s digital future is being shaped by a new generation of innovators. At the heart of this transformation is the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship Program, an ambitious initiative designed to position young African professionals at the center of continental governance and public sector innovation. Launched in 2021, the fellowship directly supports the implementation of the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy and Agenda 2063. Its mission is clear: empower Africa’s brightest digital minds to co-create data-driven and technology-enabled solutions that strengthen governance, public service delivery, and institutional capacity across AU institutions. A 12-Month Immersive Leadership Journey The AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship is a fully funded, 12-month immersive program. Selected fellows are placed within AU institutions, where they work alongside staff to analyze systems, identify operational and technological gaps, and develop sustainable digital solutions. Rather than operating as external consultants, fellows are embedded directly within AU structures. This approach ensures that innovation is not only introduced but institutionalized — creating long-term value that extends beyond the fellowship year. In April 2026, the program will welcome its third cohort, selecting 12 fellows across various focus areas at the intersection of technology, data, innovation, and public sector transformation. 12 Fellows – One Mission Each cohort shares a unified mission: driving digital transformation and strengthening good governance across Africa. Fellows contribute by: Improving data management systems Enhancing citizen engagement through digital tools Streamlining institutional processes Developing scalable, technology-driven public sector solutions By working hand-in-hand with AU teams, fellows ensure that innovation responds directly to identified institutional needs. How the Fellowship Supports African Digital Innovators 1. Capacity Building & Professional Development The fellowship provides structured and tailored training designed to strengthen both technical expertise and professional skills. Fellows deepen their competencies in digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and public sector innovation while gaining leadership and cross-cultural collaboration experience. 2. Immersive Institutional Experience Through hands-on collaboration with AU departments, fellows address real governance challenges. This practical exposure enables them to understand continental policy frameworks while contributing directly to improved institutional performance. 3. Financially Accessible Pathway To eliminate barriers to participation, fellows receive: A monthly stipend of €2,500 for 12 months An in-kind equipment budget of up to €800 An individual learning budget of €500 for professional upskilling This comprehensive support allows fellows to focus fully on impact without financial strain. 4. Continental & International Exposure The program includes two in-person bootcamps in Addis Ababa, home to AU headquarters, as well as a mid-term delegation trip to Germany. These engagements provide valuable opportunities to interact with policymakers, ecosystem builders, and international partners across Africa and Europe. 5. Sustainable Institutional Impact A core pillar of the fellowship is knowledge transfer. Fellows embed digital practices, tools, and systems within AU institutions to ensure continuity. Their work contributes to sustainable institutional transformation long after the program concludes. Fellowship Timeline (2026–2027 Cohort) February 2026 – Open fellowship positions announced March 2026 – Applications close and selection begins March 2026 – Contracting and onboarding April 2026 – 4-day kick-off bootcamp in Addis Ababa April 2026 – March 2027 – Institutional placement and financial support Summer 2026 – Delegation trip to Germany March 2027 – Sustainability bootcamp and graduation How the Application Process Works The fellowship follows a structured and transparent process aligned with AU institutional priorities: Explore Open PositionsAll roles are published on the official Job Postings page. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review responsibilities and eligibility criteria. Review Focus Areas & RequirementsEach position includes clearly defined technical and professional expectations to help candidates align their profiles effectively. Prepare Application MaterialsRequired documents include: Updated CV highlighting relevant experience National ID or passport Brief overview of previous digital or data projects (if available) Submit the Online ApplicationApplications must be completed through the official portal. Candidates receive notification of their status within three weeks. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is open to African youth ready to contribute meaningfully to continental digital transformation. Applicants must: Be citizens of an AU member state and currently based in Africa Be under 35 years old at the time of application Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and experience in technology or data-driven projects Commit to 12 months, including relocation to Addis Ababa Be willing to travel for program activities Be proficient in at least one AU official language (Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Swahili); English is an asset The program actively encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented groups to promote inclusive innovation. A Gateway to Continental Leadership The AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship is more than a professional opportunity — it is a pathway for African youth to actively shape governance systems across the continent. By combining technical expertise with public sector engagement, the program nurtures a generation of leaders equipped to drive Africa’s digital transformation from within. LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE For aspiring innovators ready to make a continental impact, this fellowship represents a unique opportunity to turn vision into action. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this fellowship program . For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.