The African Union (AU) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Internship Programme, offering students and recent graduates across Africa a unique opportunity to gain practical work experience while contributing to the activities of the continent’s leading intergovernmental organization.
The internship, which will be hosted at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aims to equip young Africans with professional skills, exposure to international policymaking, and hands-on experience in a multicultural working environment. Applications will remain open until 31 December 2026.
Building the Next Generation of African Leaders
The AU Internship Programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. It provides participants with valuable workplace experience while strengthening their technical, administrative, and leadership capabilities.
Interns will gain first-hand knowledge of the African Union’s role in promoting continental integration, sustainable development, peace, security, and economic cooperation among Member States. The programme also supports the AU’s long-term vision under Agenda 2063 by nurturing future African leaders committed to the continent’s development.
Internship Opportunities Across Various Departments
Successful applicants may be assigned to different departments and directorates based on their educational background, qualifications, and organizational needs.
Available placement areas include:
- Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)
- Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining (ETIM)
- Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI)
- Infrastructure and Energy
- Political Affairs, Peace and Security
- Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development
- Human Resources Management
- Information and Communication
- Management Information Systems
- Conference Management and Publications
- Office of Strategic Planning and Delivery
- Office of Legal Counsel
- Women, Gender and Youth
- Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
- Peace Fund Secretariat
- New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)
- Cabinet of the Chairperson
- Cabinet of the Deputy Chairperson
- Office of the Director General
- Operations Support Services
- Financial Control Unit
- Ethics, Integrity and Standards
- Office of Protocol
- Office of Internal Oversight
- Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO)
- Medical and Health Services
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must:
- Be citizens of an African Union Member State.
- Be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree programme or have completed a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in a relevant field.
- Be enrolled as full-time students if applying while still studying.
- Be 32 years old or younger at the time of selection.
- Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and good moral character.
- Have no serious criminal record.
- Be proficient in at least one of the AU’s official working languages: English, French, Arabic, or Portuguese.
Previous professional work experience is not required, making the programme ideal for students and early-career graduates.
Skills Required
Applicants are expected to possess:
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Basic internet and email proficiency.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork abilities.
- The ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Knowledge of additional AU working languages, including Spanish or Kiswahili, will be considered an added advantage.
Internship Duration and Benefits
The internship runs on a full-time basis for three months, with the possibility of a one-time extension of up to three additional months depending on performance and departmental needs.
However, applicants should note that:
- The internship is unpaid.
- Interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
- The AU does not provide travel allowances.
- Participants must obtain their own medical insurance for the duration of the programme.
- The African Union will assist successful applicants with visa and residence permit processes where necessary.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents through the online application portal:
- A motivation letter outlining the expected learning outcomes from the internship.
- A valid passport or national identity card.
- Certified copies of academic certificates.
- An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A recommendation letter from their educational institution.
- The completed official African Union CV template.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting their applications.
Why Apply?
The African Union Internship Programme offers young Africans an opportunity to gain international work experience, expand their professional networks, and contribute to policies and initiatives that shape the future of the continent.
Whether your interests lie in governance, diplomacy, research, public policy, communications, technology, sustainable development, or international relations, the programme provides an excellent platform to develop your career while supporting Africa’s development agenda.
Interested students and recent graduates are encouraged to submit their applications before the 31 December 2026 deadline.
Apply through the official African Union application portal for more information and submission guidelines.
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