The AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship Program is Now Accepting Applications

The African Union (AU) Digital & Innovation Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for its 2026/2027 cohort — a fully funded, 12-month immersive fellowship that places young African digital innovators inside AU institutions to work on data-driven, technology-enabled solutions that strengthen governance, public service delivery, and institutional capacity across the continent.

About the Fellowship

This programme empowers Africa’s brightest digital talents by giving them hands-on institutional experience within the AU system, enabling them to co-develop technology solutions with AU staff and accelerate digital transformation at the continental level. The fellowship supports implementation of the AU Digital Transformation Strategy and Agenda 2063, while creating pathways for youth engagement in governance and public sector innovation.

Selected fellows will be deployed to AU departments to identify challenges, co-design solutions, and contribute to improved systems and data practices.

Who Should Apply (Eligibility)

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must meet all of 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 degree (bachelor’s or equivalent).

 Demonstrate problem-solving ability and experience in technology, data, digital innovation, or related fields.

 Be able to commit full-time for 12 months and relocate to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the fellowship.

 Be willing and able to travel for program activities (e.g., bootcamps, delegation trips).

 Have proficiency in English; additional AU official languages (French, Portuguese, Arabic, Spanish, Swahili) are an advantage.Women, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship page:
    https://enpact.org/au-digital-innovation-fellowship/
2. Review the eligibility criteria and application instructions on the portal.
3. Prepare required documents, including your CV, proof of education, ID/passport, and tech or innovation project briefs.
4. Complete and submit your application online before the stated deadline (typically in February 2026, but check the portal for exact dates).

Selected applicants will be contacted with details about subsequent selection stages, including interviews and onboarding.