Are you a student or recent graduate looking to gain valuable international work experience? The African Union (AU) has officially opened applications for its Internship Programme 2026, offering young Africans the opportunity to work alongside professionals at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This internship is designed to help participants build practical skills, gain exposure to continental development initiatives, and contribute to the African Union’s mission of promoting unity, peace, sustainable development, and Agenda 2063 across Africa. If you are passionate about shaping Africa’s future, this programme provides an excellent platform to launch your career.
About the African Union Internship Programme
The African Union Internship Programme provides students and recent graduates from AU Member States with practical workplace experience in a multicultural and international environment.
Interns work within various departments of the African Union Commission, supporting ongoing programmes and projects while developing technical, administrative, and professional skills.
The internship is hosted at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Why Join the African Union Internship Programme?
Joining the African Union Internship Programme offers several benefits, including:
- Gain practical international work experience.
- Work alongside experienced professionals from across Africa.
- Develop leadership, communication, and professional skills.
- Learn about continental policymaking and governance.
- Build networks with experts and young professionals from AU Member States.
- Contribute to Africa’s development priorities under Agenda 2063.
- Strengthen your career profile for future employment opportunities.
Internship Areas Available
Successful applicants may be placed in one of several departments depending on their qualifications and organizational needs, including:
- Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment
- Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining
- Education, Science, Technology and Innovation
- 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
- Strategic Planning and Delivery
- Office of Legal Counsel
- Women, Gender and Youth
- Partnership 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
- Medical and Health Services
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of an African Union Member State.
- Be currently enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree programme, or have completed a Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in a relevant field.
- Be a full-time student if currently studying.
- Be 32 years old or younger at the time of selection.
- Demonstrate high standards of integrity and good moral character.
- Have no serious criminal convictions.
- Be proficient in at least one African Union working language (English, French, Arabic, or Portuguese).
Previous professional work experience is not required.
Required Skills
Candidates should possess:
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Basic computer, email, and internet skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Good interpersonal and teamwork abilities.
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Knowledge of additional AU working languages such as Kiswahili or Spanish will be an added advantage.
Internship Duration
The internship runs for:
- Initial period of three (3) months.
- May be renewed once for an additional three (3) months, depending on organizational needs.
Internship Conditions
Applicants should note the following:
- The internship is unpaid.
- Interns are responsible for their own travel expenses.
- Accommodation and living expenses are not provided.
- Medical insurance must be arranged by the intern.
- The African Union may assist with entry and residence visa procedures where applicable.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit:
- Motivation letter explaining expected learning outcomes.
- Valid passport or national identity card.
- Certified copies of academic certificates.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Recommendation letter from the educational institution.
- Completed African Union CV Template.
Selection Process
After submitting an online application:
- Applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications online through the official African Union recruitment portal before the deadline.
Click here to apply for African Union Internship Program 2026
Application Deadline
The closing date for submitting applications is 31 December 2026.
This is an excellent opportunity for African students and graduates interested in international development, governance, diplomacy, research, communications, sustainable development, and continental integration to gain valuable professional experience within one of Africa’s leading institutions. Don’t miss the chance to build your career while contributing to Africa’s future.
