AfriLabs Annual Gathering

The Second Cohort of the African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship Programme Announced at AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024

Cape Town, South Africa – At this year’s AfriLabs Annual Gathering, held from November 6-8 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 2), the African Union (AU) proudly announced the second cohort of the AU Digital and Innovation Fellowship Programme. This year’s Annual Gathering was a success, uniting a diverse network of innovators, thought leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the African continent to advance the conversation on technology-driven growth.

The 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. These fellows play a pivotal role in analysing AU 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 not only drives immediate improvements but also ensures the sustainability of these innovations well beyond the fellowship term.

Launched in March 2024, the second edition of the fellowship programme attracted an impressive 3,000 applications from young African innovators. After a rigorous selection process, 19 exceptional fellows were chosen 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. The fellows are:

  • Felix Fomengia Atabonglefac (Cameroon) – Fellow at the Office of the Director General (ODG).

  • Nkosingiphile Ntshangase (South Africa) – Digital and Innovation Tech Fellow at the Information Society Department (ISD).

  • Ceasar Waweru Kabue (Kenya) – Fellow at the Office of the Director General (ODG).

  • Ornella Ahouandogbo – Digital and Innovation Tech Fellow at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

  • 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 Republic) – Fellow at the Sustainable Environment & Blue Economy (SEBE) team.

  • Stephen Amoakoh Donkor (Ghana) – Fellow at the Information and Communication Directorate.

  • Frida Ndi (Cameroon) – Fellow at the Women, Gender and Youth Directorate (WGYD).

  • Thamsanqa Kunta-Kinte Ngcobo (South Africa) – Fellow at the African Union – InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

  • Hagernesh Tadesse (Ethiopia) – Fellow at the Information and Communication Directorate (ICD).

  • Waiswa Ronald Mironda (Uganda) – Fellow at the Office of the AU Youth Envoy (OYE).

  • Melkam Mekonnen (Ethiopia) – Software Developer fellow at the Africa CDC.

  • Mekitmfon Herbert AwakEssien (Nigeria) – Fellow at the Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETTIM) unit.

  • Thokozile Manaka (Lesotho) – Data Scientist and fellow at the Africa CDC.

  • Goodnews Sunday Sandy (Nigeria) – Fellow at the Information Society Department (ISD).

  • Dereje Mulat Ferede (Ethiopia) – Fellow at the AU Innovation Lab.

  • Christabel Onwuka (Nigeria) – Fellow at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, expressed optimism for the program’s impact: “This fellowship program exemplifies the power of innovation to drive sustainable change. 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 the continent.”

The fellows shared their aspirations and excitement as they embark on this journey. Thokozile Manaka, a fellow deployed to the Africa CDC, said: “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. 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.”

Mekitmfon Herbert AwakEssien, a fellow to the Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETTIM) unit, emphasised: “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 catalyse Africa’s digital revolution and transformation. This is my chance to turn ideas into action, and action into impact.”

 

Another inspiring voice, Kofi Mensah Abaya, a fellow at the Africa CDC, added: “As a fellow with the Africa CDC, I am determined to collaborate on initiatives that enhance public health infrastructure and promote sustainable health outcomes across the continent. 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 the AU’s core operations. AfriLabs remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster collaboration and advance Africa’s innovation landscape.

About AfriLabs-

AfriLabs is a Pan-African network of over 500 innovation hubs across 53 African countries designed to drive sustainable economic growth across the continent through investment, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.

About 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.

For more information about the African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship Onboarding Event contact aufellowship@afrilabs.com, Lisa@afrilabs.com, and cc Chibudu@afrilabs.com.

For general information about the AU Digital and Innovation Fellowship Programme,  please visit www.auinnovationfellowship.com.

For media inquiries, please contact pr@afrilabs.com & comms@afrilabs.com