Application Deadline: March 22nd, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026/2028 AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Programme. AFRIKA KOMMT! brings together the most visionary young leaders from Africa and leading German companies. Companies benefit from the expertise, knowledge, local network and unique African perspective of the young professionals. The African fellows dive deep into the German corporate specifics, German business spirit and the German culture.
The AFRIKA KOMMT! fellowship programme provides an unparalleled opportunity to young, talented African professionals for a one-year career and life transformational experience.
It is a programme for young, extraordinary African professionals who wish to expand the horizons of their skills, knowledge and experience and are not afraid to step out of their comfort zone to do so! We strive to facilitate young leaders to drive economic and social development of their countries by promoting sustainable cooperation with German industry.
Programme Details
At the core of the AFRIKA KOMMT! programme is a one-year stay for the African professionals in Germany. During this time, the fellows actively work in their partner companies where they are trained and mentored. Other components organized by GIZ such as language courses, trainings and networking events supplement the learning experience.
- Professional and tailor-made selection process: The fellows of the programme are chosen in a comprehensive selection process that is implemented in close cooperation with the participating companies.
- Language and cultural integration for fellows: The programme begins with German language and cultural integration courses to prepare the fellows for their stay in Germany. The fellows also get an opportunity to visit cultural heritage sites within Germany.
- Management training for fellows: The fellows undergo three modules of intense management training where they advance their knowledge of modern global management practices.
- Professional fellowship in partner company: The young experts spend eight months with their partner companies and are engaged in projects and meaningful work experience.
- AFRIKA KOMMT! Network: The partner companies and the African professionals come together at various networking events, share expertise and drive common projects.
- Alumni phase: After their one-year stay in Germany, the fellows become knowledge and skill transfer ambassadors as alumni in their home countries. A one-week refresher course in Germany or in Africa advances the skill set of the alumni and fosters continued strengthening of the AFRIKA KOMMT! network.
Requirements
To apply for the programme you must:
- Be a Citizen of any African country
- Have a University degree in a relevant subject
- Postgraduate degree (e.g. MBA) is an advantage
- Have two to five years work experience
- Have excellent English language skills
- Basic knowledge of the German language is an advantage
- Not be older than 35 years at the time of application
Selection Criteria
In addition to the above technical and educational requirements, you should also have the following skills and attributes:
Language and communication skills:
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- High willingness to learn German
Professional skills:
- High leadership potential
- Strong self-motivation and self-starter mentality
- High level of dedication, commitment and target-orientation
- Strong capacity for teamwork
Personal attributes:
- High level of enthusiasm, flexibility and resilience
- Open mindset
- Outstanding intercultural competencies
- Ability to adapt to new environments quickly
- Ability to reflect own behaviour and bias
A Comprehensive Programme in Three Phases
Selection and Preparation
- Definition of fellowship profiles by the companies
- Application phase
- Selection of the candidates for the Assessment Center
- Assessment Center and final selection of fellows
- Preparatory German course in home country for fellows
One-Year Stay in Germany
- Intensive German language course
- 3 Management Trainings (Focus: Intercultural Competencies, Leadership, Project and Change Management, Conflict Management)
- 8-month fellowship in the partner company
- One-week study tour
- Weekend Seminars
- Networking events
- Farewell ceremony with the Federal Foreign Office
Alumni Phase
- One-week refresher course
- Participation in AFRIKA KOMMT! events
- Alumni projects
- Continous networking
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Programme
