The African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program is a 12-month program aiming to identify and deploy tech innovators from Africa to African Union headquarters. The program focuses on understanding systems, identifying data management challenges, and co-creating innovative products and processes for sustainability.

The Program improves the AU mandate on citizen engagement and good governance. The program, implemented through the BMZ Commission’s GIZ DataCipation program, aims to build the internal capacity of host African Union organs in the long term. The first cohort, launched in September 2021, has produced 13 fellows deployed to different units to provide digital solutions to data management and operations gaps. The program aims to engage African citizens in the implementation of its mandate.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT

• Be based in Africa and must be a National of an African Union member state;
• Be under the age of 34 prior to the time of application;
• Hold a tertiary education degree or its equivalent;
• Have the capacity to gather comprehensive information on complex problems or situations, and the ability to evaluate and analyze information accurately in order to identify key issues and proffer solutions;
• Have experience and technical know-how in designing innovative technology products/solutions;
• Be available to travel to participate in an induction workshop;
• Be available and willing to dedicate 12 months. Fellows will be required to take a break from current obligations and relocate to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Applicants who speak more than one AU official language (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili) are strongly advised to apply.

BENEFITS

• Participate in several capacity building training that will be facilitated by top experts from the African innovation ecosystem.
• Receive mentorship support from experienced industry experts drawn from the AfriLabs community.
• Network and benefit from several peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
• Receive monthly stipends throughout the period of the Fellowship.
• Embark on several all-expense-paid trips to ecosystem events, onboarding/offboarding, study/learning tour, etc.
• Attend a grand graduation ceremony where certificates will be awarded to fellows.
• Be recognized as a fellow/alumni of the African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program.

Deadline: 28 April, 2024

Application link: https://auinnovationfellowship.com/

 

 

Tanzania has a history of defining national aspirations through development visions. The Development visions are the national road map that guides the country’s economic and social development plans. Since independence in 1961, three development visions have guided the country’s trajectory: The first development vision is, achieving Independence, the second is, Implementing the Arusha Declaration, and of recently, the Vision 2025. Vision 2025 was launched in 2000, and aimed to propel Tanzania into the 21st century with a focus on five key components: high-quality livelihood, peace and stability, good governance, a well-educated society, and a competitive economy. Vision 2025 yielded commendable results. By 2020, Tanzania had transitioned from a least-developed country to a lower-middle-income country, exceeding the vision’s timeline. However, achieving the targeted 6% economic growth of the vision proved challenging, with various factors hindering progress such as the 2009 global economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuating fuel prices, climate change impacts, and global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. Since we are approaching the end of the 2025 vision. The government is spearheading the process of developing the 2050 vision.

In 2023 during the commemoration of our independence on December 9^th, The President of the United Republic of Tanzania Her Excellency Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan announced the launch of a national initiative to collect public inputs for the development of the national 2050 vision. As mandated the Planning Commission started to oversee the process.

In the efforts to amplify youth voices in the national development plans, UNA Tanzania led a youth consultation in Dodoma to gather youth aspirations to inform the formulation of the Tanzania Development Vision (TDV) 2050. Youth from various organizations such as Action on Disability and Development (ADD) International, Action Aid, Restless Development, Youth of United Nations Associations of Tanzania (YUNA), Pwani Youth Network, Empower Youth Prosperity as well as Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) representing the Coastal Zone, Central Zone, and Southern Highlands Zone participated in the consultation. They generated aspirations around 9 divided themes that included:

1. Good governance & rule of law
2. Education
3. Climate Justice
4. Health
5. Media, Technology & Innovation
6. Gender, Equity & Inclusion
7. Economic Empowerment
8. Peace, stability & unity
9. Art, Sports & Games

The following are some of the highlights of the forged aspirations by the young people.

• To build climate-resilient communities and infrastructure systems by 2050. This would involve investing in resilient infrastructure, improving disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, and empowering local communities to adapt to climate change impacts.
• By 2050 Tanzania should have an education system that focuses on delivering education through a practical learning and competence-based approach, to prepare more skilled labor as per market demand particularly young people who are the majority.
• To achieve a diversified, inclusive, and dynamic economy by 2050, characterized by sustainable growth, job creation, and reduced unemployment rates through targeted policies, investments in key sectors, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.
• A nation where every citizen regardless of gender, enterprises, and organizations (public & private) has access to digital and the capability to participate and thrive in the digital economy.
• An active and reliable player in the regional and international peace and security mechanisms through diplomacy with the capacity to articulate and promote national peace and security interests.

Young people are key players in shaping the future of our country. Their participation in developing the national development plans is crucial because they have the ability  to propel the nation forward.

UNA Tanzania in partnership with CRISP Berlin are implementing The African UN Youth Delegate and Representative (AUNYD) Program in Tanzania. The Program is part of a regional movement implemented in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda. The main aim is to increase representation of the youth from East Africa at the United Nations. The AUNYD is not an official UN program. The UN Youth Delegate Program is driven and owned by UN Member States. Official Youth Delegates are always exclusively selected by UN Member States.  The civil society youth representatives we select at the AUNYD have a better chance to become national UN Youth Delegates through our training and support.

Following a protracted application and assessment procedure, 20 fellows are chosen in each country.  In Tanzania, the 2024 UN Youth fellows have attended the National Education Assesment Workshop aimed at fostering their knowledge on; The UN systems, it’s structures, tasks and goals, Decision making at the UN, how young people can mobilize and offer active support to United Nations Associations in the country, Critical thinking, Creating a country/regional vision and how to conduct outreach campaings. To further the impact the fellows will undertake outreach activities in their communities based on the campaigns and skills they have build up from the workshop.

The 2024 Tanzania UN Youth Fellows are hail from different parts of Tanzania; Kigoma, Morogoro, Arusha, Mbeya, Dodoma, Tanga, Mwanza, Unguja, Pemba and Dar es salaam. In which 12 are female and 7 male.

Vivian is a Clinician, a  Global Health Youth Advocate, a Malaria Youth Champion under ALMA,  the head of the SAYoF-SADC Health Cluster, and Executive Director at Watoto Afrika Initiative championing Children’s rights and safety through promoting their mental health needs in fulfillment of a safe and happy childhood. A trainer of trainees of the Model African Union under the Au Youth Program. And currently a 2024 Tanzanian UN Youth Fellow.

Email; vivienjjoseph@gmail.com

Salehe is a social entrepreneur dedicated to inspiring others to embrace innovative solutions to improve marginalized communities’ lives and empower youth in Tanzania to reach their full potential. He has served as the Secretary General of the Tanzania Red Cross Society at the University of Dar es Salaam and the Public Relations Officer of the Philosophy Student Association. He is a member of the United Nations Chapter at the University of Dar es Salaam under the Youth of the United Nations Association in Tanzania. His involvement in various committees and associations has shaped his values, purpose and further solidified his commitment to being a symbol of hope and inspiration for other young individuals.

Email: salehemwinyimkuu16@gmail.com

Shaangwa is a proficient Economist currently holding the project coordinator position at Ubongo Kids. Motivated by a strong passion for addressing prevalent issues affecting the youth in his community, Shaangwa dedicates his efforts to areas such as enhancing access to quality education, facilitating opportunities for decent work, and promoting economic growth. Shaangwa is deeply committed to fostering collaborative efforts, actively engaging with partners to achieve mutually shared goals. With a flexible and adaptable approach, he excels as a team player and problem solver, driven by a commitment to make a positive impact in his community.

Email: shaangwafrancis@gmail.com

Alex serving as one of the 2024 Tanzania UN Youth Fellows, seamlessly integrating his role with his initiative as the founder of Ishi Recyclers and partner at Furnitecture. Ishi Recyclers specializes in repurposing glass and plastic waste for various applications, including interior decor (and bottle-blowing), aligning with their mission to promote sustainability and environmental consciousness. Meanwhile, Furnitecture embraces the “fuma fuma” ideology, focusing on sustainable interior design decors to reduce reliance on imports and foster local creativity and production. Together, Masanja and Furnitecture are committed to revolutionizing the interior design industry, advocating for eco-friendly practices. Their priorities include empowering women and supporting children with disabilities, fostering inclusivity and opportunities for all, and ensuring no one is left behind.

Email: alexmasanja619@gmail.com

Nassir holds a Bachelor Degree of Arts in Social Work from the University of Dar Es Salaam. He is currently an intern Project Officer at the Center for Youth Dialogue in Pemba.  He is one of the initiators of Kivulini Pemba Youth Initiatives which aimed at linking young people to access the information about the availability of Covid 19 Loans. He is passionate about Leadership, Youth Development and Social Welfare.

Email: nassirfaki216@gmail.com

Mwajabu is a development practitioner passionate about empowering youth especially young women to be financially independent through digital and social entrepreneurship. She is a digital business coach certified by The German Management Academy of Lower Saxony and Digital Opportunity Trust Tanzania. She was awarded “Best Innovative & Creative Community Leader by Digital Opportunity Trust Tanzania. Through her innovative ways, she has managed to reach more than 300 young women in Unguja and scaled digital business in Zanzibar and beyond empowering them to be financially independent.

Email: mwajabujuma564@gmail.com

Regina is a Computer Scientist and holds the International Certificate of Digital Literacy (ICDL). She is a STEM activist for children and youth, an advocate for climate change, a change-maker, leader, and public speaker. Her STEM experiences and expertise include working with the Foundation for Upcoming Engineers and Scientists (FUES) as a STEM trainer as well as co-founding the changemakers foundation. Also, she is the co-founder and CEO of Grinmakers Solution, a startup specializing in recycling plastic waste.She is serving as a country ambassador for “The Girls Techie” Afica. Regina has received numerous awards, including the Goodwill Prize at the 2023 International SMART Competitions, second place at the national finals of the Climate Launchpad Competitions, national finalist of the MILEAD Programs 2023 and the gold prize at the 2023 Anza Climate Innovation Networking Event.

Email: reginadolf77@gmail.com

Kapwani is a lawyer by profession, a young leader and ambassador for positive change. She is the founder of Mojafam, a women-led, award-winning organization dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) specifically Goal 1, 5 and 13.With a passion for climate activism, Kapwani holds key positions such as a steering committee member for the Tanzanian Youth Organizations Coalition for Climate Change under UNEP and a member of the Green Samia Climate Action. Her dedication to climate advocacy dates back to her tenure as a climate ambassador for UNICEF from 2010 to 2015.

In addition to her climate activism, Kapwani is a staunch advocate for human rights, particularly in her fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), drawing from her own experiences as a survivor. She actively contributes to various leadership and youth engagement initiatives, including serving as the Vice President for St. Augustine University Tanzania Mwanza (SAUT) from 2021 to 2022 and as the chairperson of the Youth Accountability Forum of Tanzania under WAJIBU Institute for public accountability from 2021 to 2022, demonstrating her commitment to youth development.Kapwani’s remarkable contributions and leadership have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Rising Woman Award 2023 by Mwananchi Communications LTD and KPMG and the 1st runner up of the young leader of the Year award at the Tanzania Emerging Youth Awards 2022.

Email: jasminekavenuke@gmail.com

Nyamguma is a passionate journalist and a founder of Lagosa Media. He is committed to amplifying marginalized voices and empowering fellow journalists for inclusive development. Serving as a writer for organizations known as Girl Effects and contributing to impactful campaigns like the Mwanzo Mwema Vaccination Campaign. His dedication lies in advocating for the underrepresented and fostering inclusive development by highlighting the stories and struggles of marginalized communities worldwide through the power of storytelling.

Email: a.mofuga@alumni.alueducation.com

Swaumu is an award winning scientist, researcher, strategic business analyst, and a dedicated mentor. I am currently pursuing a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) in Corporate Management at Mzumbe University, as well as a second Bachelor’s degree of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). My passion for nurturing young minds and fostering innovation led me to volunteer as a logistics analyst and mentor at Young Scientists Tanzania (YST), whereby since 2014 I have had the privilege to support and facilitate more than 400 solution-based projects showcased by the secondary school students from all regions of Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar. I am a fervent advocate for inclusive, quality education and all other sustainable development goals, and I am committed to leveraging my expertise to contribute to sustainable development and amplify the voices of the youth, ultimately creating a more impactful global footprint.

Email:  swaumutz@gmail.com

Tanyamelisa is a health advocate dedicated to educating her community on healthy lifestyle practices and fostering self-development among youth. She is servig as the Assistant International Service Director of the Rotaract Club of Kairuki where she spearheads projects addressing social issues locally and globally. Additionally, as Vice Chairperson of the United Nations Chapter of Hubert Kairuki Memorial University under the Youth of United Nations Associations of Tanzania, she promotes awareness of global issues and sustainable development goals among her peers. Notably, in February 2024, she facilitated the inauguration of the United Nations Club Tanzania at Mashujaa Secondary School, inspiring young students to engage in civic responsibility. Tanyamelisa’s unwavering commitment to community service and leadership positions her as an aspiring and impactful figure, dedicated to creating a healthier and more empowered future for her community.

Email: btanyamelissa@gmail.com

Upendo Mwakyusa is an environmental scientist advocating for climate action and environmental conservation. Her work focuses on impacting women, youth, and children. Upendo founded an organization called Call for Environmental Conservation Organization through which she has been able to reach the community through eco-entrepreneurship and green skills utilization activities, conservation programs, climate education, and climate and gender. Upendo is also a writer. She has written articles in local newspapers, books, and magazines concerning environmental conservation and climate action.  In 2024 Upendo was appointed as a National Youth Representative to the Commonwealth Youth Climate Network. Upendo’s vision is to create sustainable, greener, and cleaner communities where everyone takes part in attaining that goal.

Email: upendomwakyusa9@yahoo.com

Happiness is a teacher at Fountain Gate Academy Morogoro. She is passionate about entrepreneurship and making a positive impact on the community through the accessibility of quality education. She is committed to using her skills and knowledge to help society hence she initiated the program Color the World; where she addresses challenges the community faces in accessing quality Education, opportunities and is dedicated to finding solutions to these challenges. Happiness engages fully with the community by conducting awareness-raising campaigns on community engagement in supporting children who had no access to quality Education due to a shortage of facilities. Happiness is a passionate young change-maker who believes that youth have ideas talents and abilities to make real change.

Email: happysuligi@gmail.com

Herrieth is a 21 years old devouring her knowledge in accounting and economics to promote social change, with an emphasis on empowering young people, reducing poverty, and protecting the environment. She is the Vice Chairperson of the United Nations Chapter at the University of Dar es Salaam and to add up she represented Tanzanian youth at the 2023 Youth Climate Summit.

In her academic pursuit, she is currently undertaking the Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of Dar es salaam. More over she is an accounting technician still pursuing a Certified Public Accounting and Auditing Professional Certificate. At the same time, she is enrolled at the Aspire Leadership Program under Havard School of Business. Her passionate commitment is to inspire youth and adults to work together to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and uplift marginalized youths in Tanzania and beyond.

Email: chuwaherrieth@gmail.com

Aurelio is enthusiastic about utilizing innovative technologies to tackle critical development challenges. He is particularly interested in harnessing emerging technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence to create positive social impact, bolster the resilience and inclusion of vulnerable groups, and drive transformative change across various sectors.

Email: aureliochelestino@gmail.com

Jacqueline is a remarkable serial entrepreneur who has dedicated her life to promoting self-sufficient and sustainable societies. As the Director of Highlands FM Radio, located in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, specifically in the city of Mbeya, she has made significant strides in using media for development and improving livelihoods in rural and semi-urban areas of Tanzania.

Jacqueline Lawrence holds a diverse educational background that has shaped her into a visionary leader. with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus on International Business and International Marketing & Finance. In addition, she holds a Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies, equipping her with the skills needed to make a substantial impact in the world of media. Jacqeline is a Sustainability Champion, with a Diploma Sustainability from Swedish Institute, Sweden. Jacqueline’s educational journey also took her to the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, USA as Mandela Washington Fellow in 2017, where she further expanded her knowledge and skills in Entrepreneurship.

She remains a dedicated media professional and a change-maker who has made a substantial impact in her region Mbeya,via Highlands FM Radio. Her commitment to sustainable development, her achievements, and her numerous initiatives have left an indelible mark on her community and beyond. She is a true inspiration and a testament to the power of leadership, innovation, and social impact.

Email: jlmbiki@live.com

Humphrey is a passionate advocate for positive change and youth empowerment. As an SDGs Champion and dedicated youth activist, he serves as the coordinator of Tanzania International Model of United Nations at the Youth of United Nations Association of Tanzania. Additionally, Humphrey holds the esteemed position of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communications at the Institute of Social Work. With a keen ability to coordinate youth programs, Humphrey is committed to driving progress in critical areas such as achieving Sustainable Development Goals, fostering youth civil engagement, and promoting peace building initiatives. His solid dedication to these causes reflects his vision for a brighter, more inclusive future for Tanzania and beyond.

Email: humphreyottaru1@gmail.com

Brenda is a 2024 Master Card Foundation Jim Leech fellow and master’s candidate at the University of Pretoria, specializing in development studies. She serves as a mentor at Girl4Girl guiding young girls in Tanzania, and she was Vice Chair of the Central, Eastern and the Diaspora (CEND) Caucus at the Amazon Leadership organization in 2023. She works in the same organization (TheALI) as the project coordinator for East Africa, focusing on empowering women and girls, establishing support networks for mentorship, and providing career guidance to mitigate gender inequality and discrimination. The organization has positively impacted over 150 young girls in secondary schools across Pretoria and East Africa in 2021.

Email: brendaronald1@gmail.com

Sandra is experienced in marketing, business development, and project management. She has co-founded Coconut Clove, a company focused on events and merchandising. Passionate about climate action, she co-founded and serves as Board Member at a Tanzanian NGO, Tunza Green Initiative. She also volunteers as a Private Sector Representative in the Global Water Leadership Programme under GWP Tanzania and the Ministry of Water through the National Multi-Sectoral Forum for Water Resources and Development. With a keen understanding of both corporate business and sustainable development principles, Sandra aims to foster economic growth while championing environmental stewardship.

Email: rugina77@gmail.com

 

The following are some responses to the frequently asked questions about the Tanzania UN Youth Delegates and Fellows;

• What does Tanzania UNYD & F stand for? 

Tanzania UNYD & F stands for Tanzania United Nations Youth Delegates and Fellows.

• What is the Tanzania UN Youth Delegates & Fellows Program?

The Tanzania UN Youth Delegates and Fellows  is part of the AFRICAN UNYD, a program which aims to increase representation of the youth of the Global South at the United Nations. Therefore, we are looking for interested and highly motivated young people who want to become UN Youth Delegates and UN Youth Fellows to represent the interests of the youth at both the national and international level! In 2024 The Program seeks for 20 Tanzania UN Youth Fellows from which 2 will become the official Tanzania UN Youth Delegates. The AUNYD is not an official part of the UN Youth Delegate Program. The UN Youth Delegate Program is driven and owned by UN Member States. Official Youth Delegates are always exclusively selected by UN Member States. The AUNYD we select have a better chance to become national UN Youth Delegates through our training and support.

• Is it Fully Funded?

Yes! The program is fully funded for the 2 delegates to attend regional workshop and the UNGA meeting and for the fellows to attend national workshops.

• Is there a salary?

NO! This is not a job offer hence there is NO salary, it is an opportunity to represent Tanzanian youth at the United Nations, learn about various issues concerning young people, and increase your network.

•  Is it a must to record the video on the application?

Yes, it is a must to record the video as part of the application requirement.

• What does the program offer?

The chance to become part of a national UN Fellowship with opportunities at UN internships, formulating a mandate that represents the demands of the youth, and outreach activities. Moreover, two fellows are selected as youth delegates and get to represent the youth interests of your country at the UN General Assembly in New York.

• What are the eligibility requirements for Tanzania UNYD & F? 

Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Tanzania UN Youth Delegates and Fellows Program is open to young Tanzanians between the ages of 18 and 32 who are passionate about leadership, youth development, responsible and committed to fulfill duties of delegates.

• What are the criteria for selection? 

Selection panels will use various criteria to evaluate applications including how the applicants responded, and it is on merit and competent based.

• Can a foreigner apply for the program?

No! only Tanzanian nationals can apply for Tanzania UN Youth Delegates and Fellows Program.

• Is it a must for me to be available to attend all workshops?

Yes, it is. You MUST be available to attend the national workshop for the fellows, regional workshops for the delegates  and to travel on all the indicated dates of the program. And you will be disqualified as a UN Youth Delegate if you do not participate in all of the mentioned dates.

Application form available at:https://forms.gle/4H5G19muZqzSKtEB6

Deadline: 15th January 2024

Every year, worldwide civil societies join hands for the 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence. Under the mandate provided by the UN Secretary-General in 2008, UN Women oversees the initiative UNiTE to End Violence Against Women. The UNiTE campaign embraces orange as a unifying color for all of its global initiatives, representing the promise of a future free from violence against women and girls. The campaign runs from November 25—International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—to December 10—Human Rights Day, demonstrating that the most prominent human rights violation is still violence against women and children. The global theme this year is “UNiTE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”. The theme centers on how crucial it is to fund various preventative measures to prevent violence from happening to begin with.

UNA Tanzania leading the youth community of practice under the Linking and Learning coordinated by WilDAF with the support of VOICE organised a session to promote awareness of violence against children to students of Mbagala Primary School. Two hundred pupils, ages eleven to thirteen, participated in the session, which intended to enhance their understanding and empower them to speak up when they encounter, witness, or believe that there has been violence against a fellow student. The concept of violence against children, its forms, its effects, prevention, how to recognize a victim of violence, reporting procedures and risk factors with vivid examples of risk practices in their residing community were all explained to the students .

Target 16.2 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is to “end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against, and torture of, children”. However, studies published by the African Partnership to End Violence against Children (APEVAC ) in  2021 showed we are far behind. The studies revealed that more than half of all children in Africa experience physical abuse, while in some parts of the continent, four in 10 girls suffer from sexual violence before the age of 15. The 2023 UNICEF statistical profile for the violence against boys, girls, and women in the SADC region shows that the lifetime prevalence of forced sex among girls and women is 17% on average. To add up around 120 million children aged 1 to 14 years (over 8 in 10) in the region experience violent discipline at home. The problem is massive. Dealing with it begins with investing in empowering children with comprehensive knowledge to be able to identify acts of violence as well as report them and we are at the forefront of making that happen!