Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 27 September 2021: The African Union Commission’s Youth Division within the Women, Gender and Youth Directorate (WGYD), in partnership with GIZ and AfriLabs launched the ‘AU Youth Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program to identify bright talent in the innovation sector from across the African continent.
The aim of the fellowship program is to harness digital technologies and innovation to transform African societies and economies.
This initiative will initially support 10 fellows to co-create and build innovative tailor-made products and processes that improve the delivery of the AU’s mandate around Agenda 2063 and build internal capacity of host departments. The fellows will be deployed to the AUC for a period of 12 months.
Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, underscored that innovation, and digitization transformation can stimulate job creation and contribute to the achievement of Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
She stated that the launch of the Fellowship Program emphasizes the AUC’s commitment to fully achieving the 50/50 gender parity and 35% youth quota by 2025 as mandated by AU Heads of State and Government.
“Our view is that engaging digitally-talented youth in developing sustainable digital and innovative solutions at all levels is an important tenet to achieving an integrated and inclusive digital society and economy in Africa that improves the quality of life of Africa’s citizens.” H.E the Deputy Chairperson said.
The German Chancellor’s Personal Representative for Africa, H.E Gunter Nooke pledged the commitment and support of the Government of Germany towards the success of the program.
“This opportunity means a lot for the meaningful data for social and economic development. I charge all youth with knowledge and experience to apply, and they will have the chance to make a long-lasting impact.
The African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program seeks to actualize Aspiration 6 of the AU’s Agenda 2063 which envisions an Africa whose development is people driven, relying on the potential of its citizens, especially its women and youth.
This Fellowship program is being implemented through the support from the German Ministry for International Cooperation (BMZ) and implemented through a mutually reinforcing partnership with GIZ and AfriLabs – currently the largest and most diverse community of technology hubs, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
The call for applications is currently open and closes on 4th October 2021.
You can watch the launch event on the African Union Youth Program Facebook page.
For further information please contact:
Nontobeko Tshabalala | Women, Gender and Youth Directorate | African Union Commission | Tel: +251 (0) 11 551 77 00 | E-mail: NontobekoT@africa-union.org | www.au.int|Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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