AfriLabs and the African Union (AU) have launched the second edition of the AU Tech Fellowship initiative, which builds upon the successes of its predecessor to further harness technology and innovation for socio-economic development across the continent.
AfriLabs is a network organisation that is committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent by bringing together technology hubs, startups, investors, and other key stakeholders in the ecosystem. It has over 430 members.
The AU, meanwhile, is a continental body consisting of 55 member states representing the continent of Africa, which aims to achieve “an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena”.
Together, the two organisations have launched the AU Tech Fellowship, which stems from the AU’s endorsement of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (DTS) during the 36th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council. This strategy, aimed at leveraging digital technologies to promote integration, economic growth, job creation, and poverty eradication, provides the foundation for initiatives like AU Tech 2.0.
The AU Tech Fellowship is designed to identify and deploy highly-skilled tech innovators across the continent. Fellows are embedded within various AU units and organs to understand their operations, identify challenges, and propose innovative solutions. Since its inception in 2021, the programme has yielded impressive results, with fellows developing tailored products and processes to enhance the delivery of the AU’s mandate.
Key outcomes of the program include the development of 12 innovative products and the launch of the African Union digital portal, revolutionising service delivery within the commission. Moreover, the fellowship has not only enhanced internal capacity but also fostered closer collaboration between the AU and Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
