Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – March 17-19, 2025 – The African Union (AU), in collaboration with GIZ and AfriLabs, is proud to announce the Fellows Capacity Building and Team Building Event. This gathering will bring together Africa’s brightest digital innovators, empowering them with the skills, networks, and insights needed to drive the continent’s digital transformation.
The AU Digital and Innovation Fellowship is a prestigious initiative designed to harness the potential of Africa’s leading innovators by embedding them within the AU’s organs, directorates, and departments. In alignment with the AU’s vision for continental growth and integration through digital transformation, the fellowship plays a pivotal role in advancing Agenda 2063. This event will immerse fellows in the AU’s structure, offering a comprehensive overview of the fellowship program along with clear expectations and deliverables. It is also a unique opportunity for fellows to engage directly with senior AU officials and key stakeholders, fostering an environment ripe for collaboration and innovative policy dialogue.
Over the course of the three-day event, participants will build a deep understanding of the AU’s strategic priorities while developing the capacity to implement transformative digital solutions. The event will kick off with team-building activities and a guided city tour on the first day, setting the stage for the collaborative spirit that will define the gathering. The second day will feature introductory sessions on the AU, an in-depth overview of the fellowship program, and discussions centered on the vision of Agenda 2063 and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa. Sessions will delve into the critical role of digital innovation in driving economic growth, the development of robust innovation policies, and the enhancement of public service delivery through technology. The program will also include practical workshops on monitoring and evaluating digital initiatives, culminating in a networking dinner that offers additional opportunities for meaningful engagement. On the third day, the focus will shift to outlining the next steps for the fellowship, featuring reflective Q&A sessions, capacity-building training, and concluding with a closing ceremony.
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Speaking on the significance of the upcoming event, Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, emphasized: “Africa’s digital transformation depends on fostering innovation-driven solutions that address key socio-economic challenges. Through this fellowship, we are empowering a new generation of African innovators with the tools, networks, and institutional knowledge needed to effect tangible change. This event marks a crucial step in building a robust digital ecosystem that will drive sustainable development and strengthen Africa’s global competitiveness.”
The Fellows Capacity Building and Team Building Event is a strategic effort to not only build the capacity of Africa’s digital innovators but also to cultivate a dynamic network of professionals committed to accelerating the continent’s digital journey. By fostering dialogue on digital transformation and innovation policy, the initiative aims to reinforce Africa’s digital infrastructure and drive progress across both public and private sectors.
About AfriLabs
AfriLabs is the largest network of technology and innovation hubs across Africa, driving the growth of Africa’s innovation ecosystem. With a mission to support the development of the African technology and innovation ecosystem, AfriLabs connects hubs and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and knowledge transfer.
About the African Union
The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of 55 member states representing the continent of Africa. Its vision is to achieve an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.
