2026 African Union Digital & Innovation Fellowship Programme 3rd Cohort
Deadline: March 1, 2026.
The African Union Commission (AUC) is pleased to announce the official launch of the call for applications for the 3rd Cohort of the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship Programme. This flagship initiative forms a cornerstone of the AU’s commitment to youth-led digital transformation, directly contributing to the 1 Million Next Level Initiative Initiative and the implementation of Agenda 2063’s Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan. The Fellowship operationalizes the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030) by embedding technical talent directly within Departments and Organs.
Launched in 2021, the fellowship is a 12-month immersive programme that selects Africa’s brightest technical minds to co-develop data-driven and technology-enabled solutions within AU institutions. Following the successful completion of Cohort 2 – which delivered transformative digital integrations across multiple departments, Cohort 3 will select 12 highly skilled fellows to lead 12 specialized technical tracks starting in April 2026.
TRACKS
The programme is seeking junior to mid-level professionals for roles including:
- Data Analytics & Monitoring Systems
- Digital Product & Systems Management
- Digital Communications
- ERP SAP and Business Intelligence
- Full-Stack Development
- HR Digital Systems and Processes Analysis
- Business Analysis
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applications are open to citizens of AU Member States under the age of 35 with a degree in a relevant technical field.
BENEFITS
The selected 12 fellows will be stationed at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa and other institutional sites across the continent. Key benefits include:
- Financial Support: A monthly stipend, an equipment budget and a learning budget.
- International Exposure: Participation in interactive bootcamps and a mid-term delegation visit.
- Institutional Impact: Hands-on experience working on critical systems, including AI-driven data analytics and digital communication strategies.
APPLICATION
The AU is committed to gender equity and strongly encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities.
- Application Deadline: 1 March 2026
- Official Portal: Open Fellowship Positions at the African Union – empowering entrepreneurship
Find more information on the OFFICIAL WEBSITE