The African Union has opened applications for its 2026/2027 Digital & Innovation Fellowship, a continent-wide initiative designed to embed young professionals directly within AU institutions to support digital transformation, data governance, and public sector innovation.
The 12-month programme, aligned with the AU’s long-term development blueprint Agenda 2063, aims to strengthen institutional capacity by placing selected fellows inside departments where they work alongside staff to identify system gaps, improve workflows, and design technology-driven solutions that enhance governance and service delivery. The fellowship forms part of a broader strategy to modernize public institutions and make them more efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused.
Fellowship Details
Launched in 2021, the initiative differs from traditional consultancy-based innovation projects by emphasizing immersive placement. Fellows collaborate directly with teams within AU structures, allowing digital tools and reforms to be integrated into daily operations rather than remaining temporary interventions. For the 2026/2027 cohort, 12 fellows will be selected across fields including technology, data science, public administration, and digital policy.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via the link
Participants will undergo structured training, leadership workshops, and international exposure activities while completing their institutional assignments. The programme includes two in-person bootcamps in Addis Ababa, where the AU headquarters is located, as well as a mid-term delegation visit to Germany to engage with innovation ecosystems and partner institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must be African citizens under 35 years old, hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and demonstrate prior experience in digital projects, data work, or innovation initiatives.
Candidates must also be proficient in at least one AU official language—Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Swahili—while English is considered an added advantage. Applicants must be willing to relocate for the programme’s duration and commit fully to its activities.
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial support, including a €2,500 monthly stipend, an equipment allowance of up to €800, and a €500 professional development budget. The fellowship timeline runs from April 2026 to March 2027, with application selection expected to conclude in March 2026.
