Second AU Digital and Innovation Fellowship Programme selected 19 innovators
AfriLabs and the African Union (AU) have chosen 19 innovators from throughout the continent to participate in the second iteration of the AU Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program, which aims to use innovation and technology to promote socioeconomic development throughout the continent.
The goal of the ground-breaking 12-month AU Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program is to place Africa’s leading tech innovators as “resident fellows” at AU headquarters.
These fellows are essential in analyzing AU unit systems, spotting data management issues, and working together to develop creative solutions that improve productivity. The fellowship not only promotes immediate improvements but also guarantees the sustainability of these innovations long after the fellowship period has ended by encouraging AU staff to build their capacity.
The second iteration of the fellowship program, which was introduced in March 2024, received 3,000 applications from young African entrepreneurs. Following a thorough selection process, 19 outstanding fellows were selected and assigned to 13 AU host units, where they will work to improve digital systems, strengthen data processes, and acquire important leadership, entrepreneurship, and professional development skills.
“This fellowship programme exemplifies the power of innovation to drive sustainable change. By placing top innovators within the African Union, we’re bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, laying the foundation for future leaders who will champion digital transformation across the continent,” said Nanko Madu, director of programmes at AfriLabs.
