Apply to the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship Program
AU Digital & 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.
How the fellowship supports you
Explore what to expect from the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship and how the program supports African youth digital innovators throughout their fellowship journey.
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.
