2023 AfriLabs Annual Report

I have enjoyed working with the African Union despite the challenges. Coming from a fast-paced environment in the tech sector into a slower, inter-government space. The AU presented different opportunities to learn including lobbying, writing memos, relating with multicultural individuals. It's been great! I have gained several soft skills, however, the ability to navigate the workspace and its processes is one major skill/experience to note. The ability to read the situation, and navigate relationships and environment.

It’s been an awesome experience. Although the work setting and

arrangement appeared complicated at first, it’s been an interesting place to work and gain experience. Initially, I am a solo person who loves to get things done individually. But through this programme, I have learnt to work with people, multitask and attend long meetings while still delivering your task and objectives.

Obaloluwa Ajiboye, Nigeria (AU Fellow)

Esther Ndagire, Uganda (AU Fellow)

The experience has been amazing. I never imagined I was ever going to work at the AU. But being here as a young person, it gives me an opportunity to make my voice heard despite the challenges. The solution has improved availability of information across the department, as well as the commission. The office has been able to build on the previous achievement of the past youth envoy giving room for sustainability, and reduced duplication of work. The fellowship has built my experience in working in such a multilateral organizational setting. I have been exposed to new skills and tools such as the Microsoft Office Suite (Sharepoint and other power apps). I am certain that the experience I got through this fellowship will be relevant across different institutions that I may come across as my career progresses.

From the onboarding process to my work in the department, everything has been amazing. I met my supervisors and all associates colleagues, and I was taken through the entire requirement gathering process. They made sure I understood what was required for me to transform the department in order for them to efficiently improve their process. I am a core programmer, although I always work in the background because I had no confidence to talk about my solution. However, Ever since I joined the fellowship, I have gained confidence to speak about my solutions, presents to people and on any platform.

Tebalo Thathu, Lesotho (AU Fellow)

Sabina Forba, Cameroon (AU Fellow)

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