African Union (AU) Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program 2026 for African Tech Innovators (Fully Funded to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
Application Deadline: February 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 African Union (AU) Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program. 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.
Requirements
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.
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.
Benefits
Fellowship Benefits
The AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship provides a fully funded experience with the following support:
Financial Support
- Monthly stipend of €2,500 to cover living and professional expenses.
- In-kind equipment budget (up to €800) for tools and work resources.
- Individual learning budget (€500) for skills enhancement.
Professional Development
- Structured capacity-building training and mentorship from innovation and tech experts.
- Peer-to-peer learning and engagement with continental and global stakeholders.
Institutional Experience
- Work placements within AU departments to co-develop tech and data solutions.
- Practical involvement in real governance and digital transformation projects.
Networking & Exposure
- All-expense-paid bootcamps in Addis Ababa.
- Delegation trip to Germany for international exposure.
- Continental ecosystem networking with policymakers, tech leaders, and innovation partners.
Alumni Recognition
- Certificate and alumni status that can enhance future career opportunities.
Application Process
The fellowship follows a structured selection and placement process aligned with AU institutional needs.
- Explore open fellowship positionsAll 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 requirementsEach 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 materialsBefore 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 formApplications 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 shc@enpact.org.
- Check your e-mailYou 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.
Program Timeline:
- January 2026: Open fellowship positions
- February 2026: Applications close. Selection process starts
- March 2026: Contracting & onboarding
- April 2026: 4-day kick-off bootcamp in Addis Ababa
- April 2026 – March 2027: Placement & financial support
- Summer 2026: Delegation trip to Germany
- March 2027: Sustainability bootcamp & graduation
