FULLY FUNDED : Apply for the African Union Digital & Innovation Fellowship 2026/2027

Applications are open for the African Union Digital & Innovation Fellowship 2026/2027, a 12-month fully funded career development programme designed to support Africa’s emerging digital innovators and technology leaders.

The fellowship places selected young professionals within African Union institutions, where they will work alongside policymakers and technical teams to develop data-driven and technology-enabled solutions that strengthen governance, public services, and institutional systems across the continent.

Programme Duration and Structure

The fellowship runs for 12 months, starting in April 2026 and ending in March 2027. Selected fellows will participate in onboarding bootcamps, institutional placements, mid-term learning sessions, and a final graduation programme.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to African youth innovators who meet the following criteria:

- Citizen of an African Union member state and based in Africa

- Under 35 years old

- Holds at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent

- Experience in technology, data, digital innovation, or related fields

- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and experience working on tech or data projects

- Willing to commit full-time for 12 months and relocate to Addis Ababa

- Proficient in English (other AU languages are an advantage)

Women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship is designed to build a pipeline of young African leaders driving digital transformation in public institutions. Fellows contribute directly to improving data systems, citizen engagement tools, and digital governance solutions across the African Union.

Application Timeline

Application deadline: February 2026

Onboarding and contracting: March 2026

Programme start: April 2026

Interested candidates can register their interest to receive updates once applications officially open.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.

Eligible Countries

African Union member state

APPLY HERE

Call For Applications: Federal Government 3MTT National Impact Challenge 2026 (Win Laptops, Tablets, and Data Bundles)

The 3MTT National Impact Challenge is a federal government initiative designed to highlight the real-world impact of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. Launched by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, it encourages participants to share their “Before and After” stories of how the program transformed their skills, employability, and career paths.

This challenge measures the program’s success in areas like software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and product management. With over 135,000 Nigerians trained so far, it’s expanding to create 15,000 jobs and opportunities. For Nigerian students seeking tech scholarships in Africa, this is a chance to join a community driving innovation and economic growth.

Eligibility Criteria:

To join this exciting tech competition for Nigerians, you must meet these simple criteria:

Be a current or past fellow of the 3MTT program.

Partners or collaborators who supported 3MTT activities are also welcome.

Your submission must reflect genuine experiences tied to the 3MTT program.

Posts need to be public on approved platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, or Instagram.

Include all required hashtags and tags for entry validation.

This opportunity is open to Nigerian students and young professionals across Africa, focusing on those in tech fields.

Required Documents:

No lengthy paperwork here! The challenge keeps it simple and digital-friendly. You’ll need:

A compelling “Before and After” story detailing your 3MTT journey—keep it authentic and inspiring.

Proof of posting on social media, including mandatory hashtags: #My3MTTStory, #3MTTImpactChallenge, #3MTTNigeria.

Tags for key organizers: @officialABAT, @DrBosunTijani, @3MTTNigeria.

At least two tags for partner organizations, such as @UNDP, @AirtelNigeria, @MTNNigeria, @Huawei, @Moniepoint, @Google, @Microsoft, @EU, @AWS, @IHSNigeria, or @Denmark.

Benefits:

Participating in the 3MTT National Impact Challenge comes with incredible rewards and long-term advantages. Here’s what you stand to gain:

Grand Prizes for 10 Winners: 

Each receives a high-end laptop, national recognition from the Honorable Minister, a handwritten letter, and a feature on official social media channels. Perfect for advancing your tech career.

Top Winners (200 Participants): Brand-new tablets to support ongoing learning and professional development—ideal for students juggling online courses.

Runner-Ups (1,000 Participants): 10GB data bundles to stay connected and continue building digital skills without data worries.

APPLY HERE

Call For Applications: MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy 2026 12-Month Fully Funded Film and TV Training Program

Aspiring African filmmakers, TV content creators, producers, scriptwriters and storytellers can now apply for the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy 2026. This fully funded, one-year training initiative equips emerging creatives with practical skills, industry exposure and professional credentials that support meaningful careers in film and television production. It opens a pathway for African voices to build careers and contribute to the continent’s storytelling ecosystem.

Benefits

• Comprehensive training combining theory and hands-on production experience in directing, cinematography, editing and sound design.

• Fully funded support covering the 12-month programme, including practical projects and mentorship from industry experts.

• Accredited certification from reputable partner universities in select hubs.

• Access to professional networks and exposure that can accelerate entry into film and TV production or entrepreneurial ventures.

• Opportunity to work on real media productions and build a portfolio with broadcast-ready content.

Eligibility

• Citizens of eligible African countries including (but not limited to) Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

• Applicants must be fluent in English and demonstrate strong creative drive for film, television or related storytelling mediums.

• Education or experience criteria are flexible: holders of relevant tertiary qualifications in media or similar fields are eligible, as are applicants with equivalent practical experience and passion for the craft.

• Commitment to full-time participation in the 12-month programme is necessary.

Duration

The MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy runs for 12 months. Participants receive structured learning, collaborative project work and production assignments throughout this period at one of the regional hubs in Africa.

Deadline

Applications are open now and close at 12:00 PM on February 27, 2026. Submissions received after this time may not be considered.

 Guidance for Applicants

• Draft a strong, personalised motivation statement that connects your creative journey to concrete examples of your interest in film and TV storytelling. Use clear, specific language to explain why training now matters for your goals.

• Prepare a concise portfolio or creative sampler if available. Even small clips, scripts or storyboards can illustrate your potential and commitment.

• Check all document requirements in advance. Ensure certified copies of certificates, IDs and transcripts are organised to avoid last-minute delays.

• Seek feedback from peers or mentors on your application package before submission. Fresh perspectives help refine clarity and impact.

APPLY HERE

Call for Applications: ICC-ITC-WTO MSME Group Small Business Champions Competition 2026

African micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), industry associations and business support organisations can now submit proposals to the 2026 Small Business Champions Competition. This initiative invites practical, creative ways of using artificial intelligence to help small businesses participate more effectively in international trade. It is a chance to bring solutions that address real barriers and amplify global trade impact for smaller enterprises.

Benefits

• Gain international recognition through a prestigious competition organised by the WTO, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

• Join global conversations and events focused on AI and trade, including an invitation to engage with partners such as the International Telecommunication Union.

• Promote your initiative across international platforms and networks, increasing visibility among policymakers, partners and potential collaborators.

• Access training and mentoring discussions based on your initiative’s needs.

Eligibility

• Projects from small businesses, enterprises, industry associations, chambers of commerce or non-governmental organisations that support MSMEs are eligible.

• Proposals must focus on the use of artificial intelligence to support MSME international trade, such as tools that improve supply chain efficiency, reduce costs or expand market participation.

• Submissions should include a clear implementation plan describing how your solution addresses specific challenges faced by small businesses in global trade.

Duration

Applications for the 2026 competition are open in early 2026, with work done by the selection committee and final activities scheduled around mid-year.

Deadline

The deadline to submit your proposal is March 16, 2026. Late entries may not be accepted.

 Guidance for Applicants

• Review existing AI tools and trade facilitation challenges faced by MSMEs before drafting your proposal. Practical examples include AI systems for demand forecasting, customs documentation automation, or market intelligence for export opportunities. Thinking through specific pain points will strengthen your concept.

• Align your solution with measurable outcomes such as reduced transaction time, cost reductions for exporters, or increased export volumes. Quantifiable goals help reviewers assess impact.

• Support your application with evidence of pilot testing or early usage if available. Early results or testimonials demonstrate feasibility.

• Consider partnerships with tech providers, trade organisations, or academic institutions to broaden expertise and resource access for your project.

APPLY HERE

Call For Applications: YASIF Nigeria IBM SkillsBuild Free Digital Skills Training Phase 2

YASIF Nigeria, in partnership with the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE), and IBM SkillsBuild, is leading Phase 2 of the Reskilling Revolution Africa (RRA) and 15,000 young Nigerians will benefit.

This is 100% FREE digital and green skills training with globally recognized IBM digital credentials.

Eligibility Criteria

Unemployed & underemployed youth

Students & recent graduates

Early-career professionals

What you’ll learn:

Artificial Intelligence

• Digital Marketing

• Web Development

• Project Management

• Climate Change & Green Economy

• Entrepreneurship & Sustainability skills

Benefit

Self-paced IBM learning platform

In-person facilitation & mentorship

 CV & employability support

Access to job & entrepreneurship opportunities

 Strong focus on women (50% participation target)

Application Dealine is ongoing

APPLY HERE

Call for Entries: Heirs Insurance Hackathon (Nigeria)

Deadline: 16-Feb-2026

The Heirs Insurance Hackathon invites Nigerian undergraduates to develop AI-driven solutions that transform the insurance industry. With cash prizes of up to ₦5,000,000, the hackathon focuses on solving real-world insurance challenges such as customer experience, underwriting, claims, and distribution. Applications close on February 16, 2026.

The Heirs Insurance Group has launched the Heirs Insurance Hackathon to harness technology and redefine Africa’s insurance landscape.

This national innovation challenge brings together forward-thinking undergraduate students across Nigeria to design practical, AI-powered solutions that address real insurance industry pain points.

About the Heirs Insurance Hackathon

The Heirs Insurance Hackathon

is a collaborative innovation initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence in the Nigerian insurance sector.

By convening student innovators, industry experts, and technology mentors, the hackathon seeks to unlock new approaches to making insurance simpler, faster, and more accessible.

The program emphasizes real-world impact, creativity, and scalable solutions that can help democratize insurance across Nigeria and Africa.

Prizes and Benefits

The Heirs Insurance Hackathon offers both financial rewards and professional development opportunities.

Cash Prizes

First prize: ₦5,000,000

Second prize: ₦3,000,000

Third prize: ₦1,000,000

Additional Benefits

Participants will also gain:

Hands-on experience solving real insurance challenges using AI

Opportunities to collaborate with peers, mentors, and industry experts

Exposure to professionals in the insurance and technology sectors

Certificates of participation

Hackathon swag and recognition

A platform to showcase skills and ideas to decision-makers

Why This Hackathon Matters

Insurance remains underutilized across much of Africa due to complexity, lack of trust, and limited access.

This hackathon directly addresses these challenges by empowering young innovators to design technology-driven solutions that make insurance more inclusive, transparent, and efficient.

APPLY HERE

Call for Applications: Qualcomm® Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 ($5,000 stipend, Equity-Free Mentorship and Networking)

The Qualcomm® Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026 is now open for applications — an equity-free mentorship initiative designed to support early-stage African startups building innovative technology solutions using advanced connectivity, computing and embedded systems. This programme helps founders accelerate product development, strengthen technical capacity, and scale impact without giving up ownership of their companies.

What the Program Is

The Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program — part of Qualcomm’s Africa Innovation Platform — identifies promising early-stage startups working on solutions involving technologies such as AI, IoT, 5G, Extended Reality (XR), and advanced compute. Participants receive structured business and technical mentorship, expert guidance on intellectual property (IP), and access to industry masterclasses to accelerate growth and product readiness.

Who Should Apply (Eligibility)

This programme is open to startups that meet the following criteria:

✔ Registered companies operating in Africa

✔ Early-stage ventures (pre-seed to seed) with a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype

✔ Solutions leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, connectivity, IoT, or embedded systems

✔ Teams committed to participating throughout the full mentorship cycle

Participation is entirely equity-free — Qualcomm does not take ownership in exchange for support.

Program Benefits & Support

Selected startups (up to ~10 for the 2026 cohort) will receive:

🤝 1:1 Mentorship

Regular personalised mentorship from Qualcomm engineers and industry experts to refine product development and business strategies.

🎓 Expert Masterclasses

Training on core topics including:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)

Internet of Things (IoT)

Extended Reality (XR)

Advanced compute (AI-PC)

5G technologies

Intellectual property strategy and patent considerations

Product management and pitching to investors.

💰 Stipend & Financial Support

Eligible participants can receive a USD $5,000 stipend upon successful completion of programme requirements.

📄 Patent Filing Support

Reimbursement up to USD $5,000 for one utility patent application (filed in Africa, at the USPTO, or via the Patent Cooperation Treaty).

Consultation hours with experienced IP law partners.

Free access to IP education and filing resources.

📣 Visibility & Networking

Showcase your startup at a virtual finale/demo event to connect with investors, ecosystem partners, and potential collaborators.

Social Impact Fund awards available for standout ventures.

Program Timeline (2026 Edition)

📅 Applications Open: 17 December 2025

📅 Application Deadline: 15 February 2026

📅 Shortlisting: March 2026

📅 Mentorship Program: April – November 2026

📅 Program Finale & Demo Day: December 2026

Startups are encouraged to apply early and begin preparing their MVP descriptions and technology roadmaps.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Visit the official Programme page:

👉 https://www.qualcomm.com/company/locations/africa/qualcomm-make-in-africa

Review eligibility criteria and programme details on the site.

Complete the online application form with details about your startup, technology, team, and product stage.

Submit before the deadline (15 Feb 2026).

APPLY HERE