AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship Program (monthly stipend of 2500 Euros)

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.

Benefits

• 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.

The AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship is open to African youth from digital innovators who are ready to contribute to digital transformation and public sector innovation within AU institutions.

Eligibility

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 proficient in at least one AU official language (Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Swahili). Proficiency in English is a strong asset.

Application Process

Application Process

The fellowship follows a structured selection and placement process aligned with AU institutional needs.

• Explore open fellowship positions – All available fellowship positions are published on the Job Postings page. Review each role carefully to understand the focus areas, responsibilities, and eligibility criteria, so you can select the opportunities that best align with your skills and interests.
• Check out the focus areas and requirements – Each fellowship position has clearly defined focus areas and requirements. Take time to read these carefully to ensure your profile and experience match the expectations. This step helps you prepare a strong, targeted application.
• Prepare your application materials – Before applying, gather all required documents. You will need to submit your current CV highlighting relevant experience in technology, data, or digital innovation, a scan of your national ID or passport, and a brief of previous digital projects (if available).
• Fill out the application form – Applications must be submitted through the Job Postings page. This is the only way to be considered for the fellowship. Make sure your application is complete and accurate. If you need guidance during the process, you can reach out to our team at [email protected].
• Check your e-mail – You will receive an e-mail with the status of your application within three weeks. The e-mail will notify you if you are shortlisted, so that you can prepare for a quick interview, or share feedback in case we are unable to accommodate you in the programme. Please make sure to also regularly check spam.

For more information