Applications are now open for AFRIKA KOMMT Fellowship Programme 2026/2028 for Emerging Young Leaders – Fully Funded

Application Deadline: March 22, 2026

Applications are now open for the prestigious 2026/2028 AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Programme. This unique initiative connects Africa’s most visionary young leaders with leading German companies, creating a mutually beneficial exchange. Participating companies gain access to the expertise, knowledge, local networks, and distinctive African perspectives brought by these young professionals. Meanwhile, African fellows immerse themselves in German corporate structures, business culture, and societal values.

The AFRIKA KOMMT fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity for talented young African professionals to undergo a transformative one-year career and life experience. The programme specifically targets exceptional individuals who seek to expand their skills, knowledge, and experience beyond conventional boundaries and who demonstrate willingness to venture outside their comfort zones. Through promoting sustainable cooperation with German industry, the initiative strives to equip young leaders who will drive economic and social development within their home countries.

Programme Details

At the heart of the AFRIKA KOMMT experience lies a one-year residency in Germany for selected African professionals. During this period, fellows actively contribute within their partner companies, receiving structured training and dedicated mentorship. This core experience is enhanced by additional components organized by GIZ, including language instruction, professional training modules, and networking events that collectively enrich the learning journey.

• Professional and tailor-made selection process: A comprehensive selection procedure, implemented in close collaboration with participating companies, identifies the most suitable candidates for the programme.
• Language and cultural integration for fellows: The journey begins with German language courses and cultural orientation sessions designed to prepare fellows for their German experience. Opportunities to explore Germany’s cultural heritage sites are also provided.
• Management training for fellows: Three intensive management training modules equip fellows with advanced knowledge of contemporary global management practices.
• Professional fellowship in partner company: An eight-month placement within partner companies engages young professionals in meaningful projects and substantive work experience.
• AFRIKA KOMMT! Network: Regular networking events bring together partner companies and African professionals, facilitating expertise exchange and collaborative project development.
• Alumni phase: Following their German residency, fellows return to their home countries as ambassadors of knowledge and skill transfer. A one-week refresher course, conducted either in Germany or Africa, further enhances alumni capabilities while strengthening the enduring AFRIKA KOMMT! network.

Requirements

Prospective applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Hold citizenship of any African country
• Possess a university degree in a relevant discipline
• Demonstrate two to five years of professional work experience
• Exhibit excellent English language proficiency
• Not exceed 35 years of age at the time of application

Advantageous Qualifications:

• Postgraduate degree (e.g., MBA)
• Basic knowledge of the German language

Selection Criteria

Beyond the technical and educational prerequisites, candidates should demonstrate the following skills and attributes:

Language and communication skills:

• Strong oral and written communication abilities
• High motivation to learn German

Professional skills:

• Significant leadership potential
• Strong self-motivation and self-starter mentality
• High levels of dedication, commitment, and goal orientation
• Proven capacity for teamwork

Personal attributes:

• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and resilience
• Open and receptive mindset
• Outstanding intercultural competencies
• Ability to adapt quickly to new environments
• Capacity for self-reflection regarding personal behavior and biases

A Comprehensive Programme in Three Phases

Phase 1: Selection and Preparation

• Definition of fellowship profiles by participating companies
• Application submission period
• Candidate selection for Assessment Center participation
• Assessment Center evaluation and final fellow selection
• Preparatory German language course in home country for selected fellows

Phase 2: One-Year Stay in Germany

• Intensive German language course
• Three Management Trainings (focus areas: Intercultural Competencies, Leadership, Project and Change Management, Conflict Management)
• Eight-month fellowship within partner company
• One-week study tour
• Weekend seminars
• Networking events
• Farewell ceremony hosted by the Federal Foreign Office

Phase 3: Alumni Phase

• One-week refresher course
• Participation in AFRIKA KOMMT events
• Alumni project implementation
• Continuous networking engagement

Click here to apply