AfriLabs and AU Launch Second Edition of AU Tech Fellowship Initiative to Boost Socio-Economic Development

AfriLabs in partnership with the African Union (AU) has unveiled the second edition of the AU Tech Fellowship initiative. The initiative builds on the success of the first edition and aims to further exploit technology and innovation for socio-economic progress across Africa.

AfriLabs is an organization that pushes for innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa, bringing together technology hubs, startups, investors, and other significant players in the ecosystem. It has a membership of over 430 entities.

On the other hand, the AU is a continental organization made up of 55 African nations with a mission to realize “an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, governed by its own citizens and acting as a compelling force on the international stage”.

Through their collaboration, the two entities have pioneered the AU Tech Fellowship. The initiative is grounded in the AU’s endorsement of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (DTS) during the 36th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council. The DTS seeks to exploit digital technologies for integration, economic growth, job creation and the eradication of poverty.

The AU Tech Fellowship is designed to discover highly talented tech innovators across the continent and place them in various AU departments and organs. These tech fellows then understand the operations, identify problems, and suggest innovative solutions. The initiative has delivered promising results since its inauguration in 2021, with participants developing tailored products and strategies to improve the execution of AU’s mandate.

Significant achievements of the program include the development of 12 unique products and the launch of the African Union digital portal. This revolutionized service delivery within the commission. Additionally, the fellowship has improved internal capacity and promoted better collaboration between the AU and the African innovation ecosystem.