Applications are now open for the AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Programme 2024/2026.

The 13th intake is scheduled to commence in November 2024 in Germany.

AFRIKA KOMMT! brings together visionary young leaders from Africa with leading German companies, creating a symbiotic relationship. Companies benefit from the expertise, knowledge, local network, and unique African perspective of the young professionals. The fellows, in turn, gain insights into German corporate specifics, business spirit, and culture.

The AFRIKA KOMMT! fellowship program offers a one-year career and life transformational experience to young, talented African professionals. It is designed for those who wish to expand their skills, knowledge, and experience, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones. The aim is to facilitate young leaders in driving economic and social development in their countries by fostering sustainable cooperation with German industry.

The program selects top-tier professionals from all African countries, including North Africa, for a one-year personal and professional transformational journey in Germany. This journey includes German language lessons, international management training, study tours, and an 8-month practical training at the host company.

Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for the program, you must:

• Be a citizen of any African country
• Hold a University degree in a relevant subject
• Possess a postgraduate degree (e.g., MBA), which is an advantage
• Have two to five years of 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

Benefits:

The AFRIKA KOMMT! program is fully financed by participating companies. As a fellow, all costs related to your participation in the fellowship program will be covered, including flights, accommodation, monthly stipend, trainings, and language courses.

Program Details:

At the core of the AFRIKA KOMMT! program is a one-year stay for African professionals in Germany, where they actively work in their partner companies, receiving training and mentorship. The program also includes language courses, training, and networking events organized by GIZ to supplement the learning experience.

• Professional and tailor-made selection process
• Language and cultural integration for fellows
• Management training for fellows
• Professional fellowship in partner company
• AFRIKA KOMMT! Network
• Alumni phase

A Comprehensive Program in Three Phases:

1. Selection and Preparation
   • Definition of fellowship profiles by the companies
   • Application phase
   • Selection of candidates for the Assessment Center
   • Assessment Center and final selection of fellows
   • Preparatory German course in the home country for fellows
2. One-Year Stay in Germany
   • Intensive German language course
   • Three management trainings (Focus: Intercultural Competencies, Leadership, Project and Change Management, Conflict Management)
   • Eight-month fellowship in the partner company
   • One-week study tour
   • Weekend Seminars
   • Networking events
   • Farewell ceremony with the Federal Foreign Office
3. Alumni Phase
   • One-week refresher course
   • Participation in AFRIKA KOMMT! events
   • Alumni projects
   • Continuous networking

Application Procedure: The application procedure involves multiple phases, including the definition of fellowship profiles, the application phase, selection of candidates, the assessment center, preparatory German courses, and more.

Application Procedure

Step 1

Check the general candidate requirements – do you fit the criteria and are you eligible for the programme?

Step 2

Check the available fellowship placements and required profiles for the new intake of AFRIKA KOMMT!

The fellowship placements will only be available during the application phase.

Your application will be considered for the AFRIKA KOMMT! programme as a whole, however you are asked to select maximum 2 profiles in the application form and to give reasons for your choice.

Step 3

Register on https://application.afrika-kommt.de and fill in the application form in English.

Applications in other languages will not be considered.

In addition to filling the application form, you will be asked to upload a short presentation about your motivation, an idea for a change initiative, a photo and your certificates.

About the idea for a change initiative:

One of the aims of AFRIKA KOMMT! is to build a platform that supports young African professionals to design change initiatives that seek to solve social and economic challenges in their countries.  Please think for an idea for a change initative that you would like to implement in your country. You will be asked four questions about your idea in the application form.

Step 4

Submit your application before the  deadline (tbc) – applications submitted after this date cannot be considered.

Selection Procedure:

You will receive feedback on your application within approx. 8-12 weeks after the official end of the application period. The partner companies may contact you to do a short telephone interview with you. If your application has successfully passed the pre-selection stage, you will receive an invitation to a 2-days assessment centre.

Application Deadline: March 24, 2024

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Programme

From the Source on Fellowship: Opportunities for Africa