AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Programme 2026/2028: How to Apply and Work in Germany for One Year

AFRIKA KOMMT! 2026 Fellowship fully funded to Germany

Applications are now open for the prestigious AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Programme 2026/2028, a fully funded leadership initiative designed to connect emerging African professionals with leading German companies. The programme offers a transformative one-year professional and cultural experience in Germany, combining management training, corporate placement, and cross-cultural exchange.

With a strong focus on sustainable economic cooperation, the AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship continues to position itself as one of the most competitive and impactful leadership programmes for young African professionals seeking global exposure.

The application deadline is March 22, 2026.

What Is the AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Programme?

The AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Programme is a high-level initiative that brings together visionary African leaders and prominent German companies. The goal is to foster long-term economic partnerships and strengthen intercultural collaboration between Africa and Germany.

At the core of the programme is a one-year stay in Germany, where selected fellows gain direct exposure to corporate environments, modern management practices, and the German business ecosystem.

The programme is supported and implemented in collaboration with Deutsche Gesselschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), ensuring structured mentorship, training, and networking opportunities throughout the fellowship year.

Key Programme Components: Training, Corporate Placement and Networking

The AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship is structured in three main phases:

1. Selection and Preparation Phase

Candidates undergo a rigorous, tailor-made selection process in close cooperation with participating German companies. Successful applicants begin preparatory German language training in their home countries before relocating.

2. One-Year Stay in Germany

The fellowship year includes:

Intensive German language course
Three advanced management training modules focusing on leadership, intercultural competencies, change management, and conflict resolution
An eight-month professional fellowship within a partner company
Study tours and weekend seminars
High-level networking events
A farewell ceremony involving the Federal Foreign Office

During this period, fellows work on meaningful corporate projects, gaining hands-on experience while building global networks.

3. Alumni Phase

After returning home, fellows join the AFRIKA KOMMT! alumni network. Alumni benefit from continued networking, project collaborations, and a one-week refresher course either in Germany or Africa.

This structure ensures long-term impact beyond the fellowship year.

Eligibility Criteria for AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship 2026/2028

To apply, candidates must:

Be a citizen of an African country
Hold a university degree in a relevant field
Have two to five years of professional work experience
Demonstrate excellent English language skills
Be under 35 years old at the time of application

A postgraduate degree such as an MBA and basic knowledge of German are considered advantages but are not mandatory.

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Selection Criteria: Leadership and Intercultural Competence

Beyond academic qualifications, applicants are assessed on:

Strong communication skills
Leadership potential
High self-motivation and resilience
Teamwork and adaptability
Intercultural awareness and flexibility

The fellowship specifically targets young professionals who are prepared to step outside their comfort zones and contribute to economic and social development in their home countries.

Why AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Is a Career-Defining Opportunity

The AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship stands out due to its fully funded structure, corporate placement with leading German companies, and emphasis on leadership transformation.

Participants not only develop technical and managerial expertise but also gain international exposure that significantly enhances career prospects. Upon returning to their home countries, fellows act as ambassadors of knowledge transfer and cross-border collaboration.

For ambitious African professionals seeking global corporate experience and long-term impact, this fellowship offers a rare platform.

How to Apply for AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship 2026/2028

Interested applicants must submit their applications through the official programme portal before the March 22, 2026 deadline.

Applicants are advised to prepare academic credentials, professional documentation, and relevant supporting materials in advance to ensure a smooth submission process.

Given the competitive selection process, early application is strongly encouraged.

FAQ

1. Is the AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship fully funded?

Yes. The programme is fully funded and covers the one-year stay in Germany, including training, corporate placement, and networking activities.

2. Who is eligible to apply for AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship 2026/2028?

African citizens under the age of 35 with a university degree and two to five years of work experience are eligible to apply.

3. What is the duration of the AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship?

The fellowship lasts one year, including language training, management courses, and an eight-month corporate placement.

4. Do I need to speak German before applying?

Basic knowledge of German is an advantage but not mandatory. Selected fellows receive intensive German language training.

5. What happens after the fellowship year?

Participants become part of the alumni network and continue engaging in knowledge transfer initiatives and networking events.

6. What fields are eligible for the programme?

Applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds can apply, provided their qualifications align with participating company profiles.

7. What is the application deadline?

The deadline for the 2026/2028 intake is March 22, 2026.

8. How competitive is the AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship?

The programme is highly competitive due to its fully funded structure, corporate partnerships, and international exposure opportunities.

9. Does the fellowship include management training?

Yes. Fellows undergo three intensive management training modules focused on leadership and global business practices.

10. Where can I apply?

Applications must be submitted through the official AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship webpage before the stated deadline.