African Union Opens €2,500/Month Innovation Fellowships

The African Union just opened applications for a fellowship program that pays young African tech innovators to solve real problems while launching their careers on the continental stage.

The AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship brings Africa's brightest minds under 35 to Addis Ababa for 12 months of immersive work inside AU institutions. Fellows partner directly with AU staff to create data-driven solutions that strengthen governance and public services across the continent.

The program removes financial barriers entirely. Each fellow receives a monthly stipend of €2,500, plus an €800 equipment budget and €500 for personal learning and skill development during the year.

But the money tells only part of the story. Fellows gain the kind of experience that typically takes years to accumulate through traditional career paths.

The fellowship includes two interactive bootcamps in Addis Ababa and a mid-term delegation trip to Germany. These experiences connect fellows with policymakers, innovators, and partners across Africa and Europe, building networks that last well beyond the program.

Young Africans with bachelor's degrees who are passionate about technology can apply through February 28, 2026. The AU seeks problem solvers with experience designing or implementing tech products or data-driven projects who can commit to relocating to Ethiopia for the year.

Since launching in 2021, the fellowship has created pathways for African youth to directly shape continental governance. It supports the AU Digital Transformation Strategy and Agenda 2063, turning policy goals into concrete opportunities.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this program transformative is how it embeds knowledge into AU systems for lasting change. Fellows don't just complete projects and leave. They transfer skills, tools, and digital practices to AU staff, creating institutional capacity that continues generating value long after each cohort finishes.

The program proves that investing in young innovators creates compound returns. One fellow's work can improve services for millions across member states while launching a career dedicated to public sector innovation.

English proficiency is required, though knowledge of Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Swahili strengthens applications. The AU recognizes that Africa's linguistic diversity enriches problem-solving and collaboration.

Africa's youngest generation is stepping up to build the continent's digital future, and the AU is handing them the tools, platform, and support to make it happen.