African Union Announce the 2nd Cohort of Fellows of its Digital and Innovation Fellowship Programme

The African Union (AU) Digital and Innovation Fellowship Programme, is a transformative 12-month initiative designed to position Africa’s top tech innovators as “resident fellows” within AU headquarters.

byNathan Ernest Olupot

November 14, 2024

19 exceptional fellows across Africa chosen for the second cohort of the African Union (AU) Digital and Innovation Fellowship Programme have been deployed to 13 AU host units. PHOTO: AfriLabs

During the AfriLabs Annual Gathering at Cape Town International Convention Centre, the African Union (AU) announced the second cohort of fellows of its Digital and Innovation Fellowship Programme, a transformative 12-month initiative designed to position Africa’s top tech innovators as “resident fellows” within AU headquarters.

These fellows play a pivotal role in analyzing AU’s unit systems, identifying challenges in data management, and co-creating innovative solutions tailored to enhance efficiency. By fostering capacity-building among AU staff, the fellowship drives immediate improvements and ensures the sustainability of these innovations well beyond the fellowship term.

Launched in March 2024, the second edition of the fellowship programme attracted over 3,000 applications from young African innovators —and only 19 exceptional fellows were chosen from a rigorous selection process and deployed to 13 AU host units —where they will work on strengthening data processes, improving digital systems, and gaining valuable skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and professional development.

Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, expressing optimism for the program’s impact said, the programme exemplifies the power of innovation to drive sustainable change.

Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs speaking at the AfriLabs Annual Gathering at Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. PHOTO: AfriLabs

“By placing top innovators within the African Union, we’re bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, laying the foundation for future leaders who will champion digital transformation across Africa,” said Madu in a press statement.

The fellows are:

Fellow	Country	AU Host Unit
Felix Fomengia Atabonglefac	Cameroon	Fellow at the Office of the Director General.
Nkosingiphile Ntshangase	South Africa	Digital and Innovation Tech Fellow at the Information Society Department.
Ceasar Waweru Kabue	Kenya	Fellow at the Office of the Director General.
Ornella Ahouandogbo		Digital and Innovation Tech Fellow at the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Kofi Mensah Abaya	Ghana	Fellow at the Africa CDC.
Apiwe Hotele	South Africa	Fellow at the AUDA-NEPAD Coordination Unit.
David Tufe Nzadon	Nigeria	Fellow at the MIS Division.
Rabia Moussa	Niger	Fellow at the Sustainable Environment & Blue Economy team.
Stephen Amoakoh Donkor	Ghana	Fellow at the Information and Communication Directorate.
Frida Ndi	Cameroon	Fellow at the Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate.
Thamsanqa Kunta-Kinte Ngcobo	South Africa	Fellow at the African Union – InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources.
Hagernesh Tadesse	Ethiopia	Fellow at the Information and Communication Directorate.
Waiswa Ronald Mironda	Uganda	Fellow at the Office of the AU Youth Envoy.
Melkam Mekonnen	Ethiopia	Software Developer fellow at the Africa.
Mekitmfon Herbert AwakEssien	Nigeria	Fellow at the Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, Mining unit.
Thokozile Manaka	Lesotho	Data Scientist and fellow at the Africa.
Goodnews Sunday Sandy	Nigeria	Fellow at the Information Society Department.
Dereje Mulat Ferede	Ethiopia	Fellow at the AU Innovation Lab.
Christabel Onwuka	Nigeria	Fellow at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

The fellows shared their aspirations and excitement as they embarked on this journey;

“I anticipate that this fellowship will be a pivotal opportunity to collaborate with experts and develop innovative digital health solutions that not only enhance healthcare delivery but also inform evidence-based policies,” said Thokozile Manaka from Lesotho. “By leveraging data and technology, I aim to contribute to a sustainable framework that addresses Africa’s unique health challenges and drives systemic improvements across the continent.”

“As I embark on this fellowship, I see it as a crucible for transformative change. I’m eager to learn from Africa’s brightest minds, contribute my expertise in digital development, network with visionaries across the continent, and ultimately take actions that will catalyze Africa’s digital revolution and transformation,” said Mekitmfon Herbert AwakEssien from Nigeria. “This is my chance to turn ideas into action, and action into impact.”

Kofi Mensah Abaya from Ghana said, “I am determined to collaborate on initiatives that enhance public health infrastructure and promote sustainable health outcomes across Africa.” Adds “In alignment with Agenda 2063, which envisions ‘an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa,’ I am of the view that digital health innovations can play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.”

The African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program continues to embody the vision of Agenda 2063 by developing a network of skilled innovators who contribute directly to the growth and integration of digital solutions across AU’s core operations.

AfriLabs on the other hand remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster collaboration and advance Africa’s innovation landscape.