Afrika Kommt! Fellowship Program 2024/2026 Fully Funded Opportunity For Future Leaders From Africa

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

The 13th cohort will commence in November 2024 in Germany.

AFRIKA KOMMT! brings together forward-thinking young leaders from Africa and prominent German companies. These companies benefit from the expertise, knowledge, local network, and unique African perspective of the young professionals. The African fellows immerse themselves in the specifics of German corporate culture, business ethos, and overall German culture.

The AFRIKA KOMMT! fellowship programme offers an unparalleled opportunity for young, talented African professionals to undergo a one-year career and life transformational experience. It is designed for exceptional African professionals who aspire to broaden their skills, knowledge, and experience, and are willing to step out of their comfort zone to achieve that goal. Our aim is to empower young leaders to contribute to the economic and social development of their countries by fostering sustainable cooperation with German industry.

The programme involves selecting top-tier professionals from all African countries, including North Africa, and facilitating a one-year personal and professional transformational journey in Germany. This journey includes German language instruction, international management training, study tours, and culminates in an eight-month practical training at the host company.

Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for the program, you must meet the following criteria:

– Hold citizenship in any African country.

– Possess a university degree in a relevant field.

– Holding a postgraduate degree, such as an MBA, is advantageous.

– Have two to five years of work experience.

– Demonstrate excellent English language skills.

– Having basic knowledge of the German language is beneficial.

– Be no older than 35 years at the time of application.

Benefits:

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

Program Details:

The AFRIKA KOMMT! program entails a one-year stay for African professionals in Germany. During this period, fellows actively participate in their partner companies, receiving training and mentorship. Additional components organized by GIZ, such as language courses, trainings, and networking events, enhance the learning experience.

Rigorous selection process:

Fellows undergo a thorough selection process conducted in collaboration with participating companies.

– Language and cultural integration: The program begins with German language and cultural integration courses to prepare fellows for their time in Germany. Fellows also have the opportunity to visit cultural sites within the country.

– Management training: Fellows undergo three modules of intensive management training to enhance their knowledge of modern global management practices.

– Professional fellowship: Fellows spend eight months with their partner companies, engaging in projects and gaining meaningful work experience.

– Networking: Partner companies and African professionals convene at various networking events to share expertise and collaborate on projects.

– Alumni phase: After completing their one-year stay, fellows become knowledge and skill transfer ambassadors in their home countries. A one-week refresher course in Germany or Africa further enhances their skills and strengthens the AFRIKA KOMMT! network.

A Comprehensive Program in Three Phases

Selection and Preparation

– Companies define fellowship profiles.

– Application phase opens.

– Candidates selected for Assessment Center.

– Assessment Center held, and final fellows chosen.

– Selected fellows undergo preparatory German course in their home country.

One-Year Stay in Germany

– Intensive German language course.

– 3 Management Trainings covering Intercultural Competencies, Leadership, Project and Change Management, Conflict Management.

– 8-month fellowship in 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.

– Continuous networking.

Application Procedure

Step 1: Check if you meet the general candidate requirements.

Step 2: Review available fellowship placements and required profiles for the AFRIKA KOMMT! program.

Step 3: Register here and complete the application form in English. Other languages will not be accepted. Additionally, prepare a short presentation about your motivation, an idea for a change initiative, a photo, and your certificates.

Step 4: Submit your application before the deadline (to be confirmed).