The AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Programme 2026–2028 is now open for applications. This prestigious initiative connects young African professionals with leading German companies for an intensive fellowship experience that combines corporate placements, leadership development, and intercultural exchange in Germany.
For its 15th intake, 35 fellowship profiles are available across 7 major German companies, offering African professionals the opportunity to gain international experience, expand their expertise, and build long-term global networks.
Application Deadline: 22 March 2026 (23:59 CET)
Application Period: 16 February 2026 – 22 March 2026
Programme Start: November 2026 (Germany)
About the AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship
AFRIKA KOMMT! is a flagship initiative designed to foster long-term economic cooperation between Germany and African countries. Selected fellows complete a structured programme that includes:
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Intensive German language training
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Leadership and management training
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Corporate placement in a leading German company
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Exposure to international business environments
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Long-term professional networking opportunities
The fellowship is aimed at high-performing young professionals from Africa who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to contributing to sustainable development.
Participating Companies (15th Intake)
The 2026–2028 intake includes fellowship profiles from the following companies:
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B. Braun SE
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BioNTech SE
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Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH
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Merck KGaA
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ODDO BHF
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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SAP SE
Applicants must carefully review available profiles and select at least one role that best matches their qualifications.
Before applying, candidates are strongly encouraged to review the official four-step application guide:
https://afrika-kommt.de/become-a-fellow/how-to-apply/
Fellowship Profiles by Company
Below is a structured overview of available opportunities by sector and company.
BioNTech SE – Global Health & Pharmaceutical Innovation
Country Focus: Sub-Saharan Africa
Available Profiles:
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Fellow in Clinical Operations
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Fellow in Non-Clinical Safety
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Fellow in R&D Digital Lab
Key Fields:
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Clinical trials management
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Toxicology, pathology, pharmaceutical sciences
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Drug development processes
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Bioinformatics and digital lab systems
Typical Requirements:
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in life sciences or related fields
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Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience
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Strong understanding of clinical or pharmaceutical systems
B. Braun SE – Medical Technology, Digital Transformation & AI
Country Focus: All African nationalities
Available Profiles:
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Quality Specialist (Medical Devices)
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Communication Expert for Digital Technology
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Inhouse Consultant – Generative AI (MS Copilot Focus)
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Business Project Manager – Digitalization & Finance
Key Fields:
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Quality management in medical devices
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Digital communication and branding
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Generative AI transformation and change management
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Finance digitalization and data analytics
Applicants should have:
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Background in engineering, business, IT, or related disciplines
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Experience in project management
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Knowledge of digital tools and regulatory environments
Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH – Healthcare, HR & Sustainable Development
Country Focus: All African nationalities (Some roles focus on Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda)
Available Profiles:
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Business Project Manager – Human Pharma Emerging Markets
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HR Business Partnering & Talent Management
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Digital Solution Specialist
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Process Modeling & Data Science (Pharmaceutical Development)
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HR Governance, Projects & Analytics
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Project Manager – Social Engagement
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Project Manager – More Health
Key Fields:
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Healthcare systems strengthening
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HR analytics and talent management
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Data science and pharmaceutical development
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Social entrepreneurship and sustainable development
Most roles require:
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2–3+ years of professional experience
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Project management expertise
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Experience in multinational environments
Merck KGaA – Pharmaceuticals, Sustainability & Chemical Engineering
Country Focus: All African nationalities
Available Profiles:
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Global Patient Safety Specialist (Pharmacovigilance)
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Procurement Expert
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Chemical Engineering Expert
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Sustainable Business Transformation
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Strategic Product Management – Data & Digital
Key Areas:
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Pharmacovigilance and regulatory compliance
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Industrial procurement
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Chemical process engineering
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Corporate sustainability and climate strategy
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Life sciences product strategy
Applicants typically need:
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2–5 years of industry experience
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Strong analytical capabilities
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Background in life sciences, engineering, or sustainability
ODDO BHF – International & Corporate Banking
Country Focus: Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Nigeria, Mauritania, South Africa
Available Profile:
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Fellow in International & Corporate Banking Sales (2 positions)
Key Requirements:
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Degree in banking, finance, or economics
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2–4 years of experience (preferably trade & export finance)
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Client management or business development experience
Robert Bosch GmbH – Mobility, Engineering & Industrial Innovation
Country Focus:
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Specific roles limited to Morocco, Egypt, or South Africa (due to visa regulations)
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Some roles open to all African nationalities
Available Profiles:
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Product Specialist – African Mobility Aftermarket
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Technical Market Access
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Sales & Marketing Specialist – Industrial Boilers
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Digitalization & AI Platform Specialist – Hyperautomation
Key Areas:
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Automotive aftermarket development
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Technical regulatory analysis
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Industrial B2B sales and marketing
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AI-driven digital platforms
Important: Certain roles require applicants to already have legal work rights in specific countries.
SAP SE – AI, Cloud, Software Engineering & Data Management
Country Focus: All African nationalities
Available Profiles:
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AI Systems Engineer
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AI/UI Developer
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SAP Software Expert (CIS Projects)
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Cloud Developer (Analytics & Risk)
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Storyteller – Experience Technology Team
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Customer Delivery Manager
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User Feedback Analyst with LLMs
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SAP Data Management Consultant
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Developer – Global Trade Management
Key Skills:
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Java, Python, JavaScript
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Cloud architectures and DevOps
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Large Language Models (LLMs), AI Agents, RAG systems
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SAP S/4HANA transformation
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Data migration and analytics
Most positions require:
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2–5 years of experience
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Strong programming skills
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Excellent English proficiency
Eligibility Criteria for AFRIKA KOMMT! 2026–2028
To apply, candidates must:
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Be a citizen of any African country
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Hold a university degree in a relevant field
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Have 2–5 years of professional work experience
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Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application
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Have excellent English language skills
Advantages:
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Postgraduate degree (e.g., MBA)
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Basic knowledge of German
Additional Selection Criteria
Language & Communication
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Strong written and oral communication skills
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High willingness to learn German
Professional Skills
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Leadership potential
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Self-motivation and initiative
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Commitment and target orientation
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Strong teamwork capability
Personal Attributes
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Flexibility and resilience
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Open mindset
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Intercultural competence
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Adaptability to new environments
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Ability to reflect critically on personal behavior and bias
How to Apply for AFRIKA KOMMT! 2026–2028
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Review the official application guide:
https://afrika-kommt.de/become-a-fellow/how-to-apply/ -
Carefully read and download the full profile of your chosen fellowship.
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Select at least one profile in the online application form.
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Submit your complete application before 22 March 2026 (23:59 CET).
Official Application Portal:
https://afrika-kommt.de/15th-apply/
Why You Should Apply
The AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship 2026–2028 is one of the most competitive and prestigious corporate fellowship programmes for African professionals. It provides:
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Direct access to Germany’s top multinational companies
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Structured leadership development
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Global career acceleration
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Exposure to AI, healthcare, sustainability, engineering, and finance sectors
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Long-term international professional networks
If you are a young African professional ready to take your career to the next level, this is a rare opportunity to gain high-level corporate experience in Germany while strengthening Africa–Europe economic collaboration.
Apply before 22 March 2026.
