Yango Group has launched the 2026 edition of its Yango Fellowship programme across six African countries, selecting 24 young technology talents to develop artificial intelligence-driven solutions for local challenges.
The programme, which expanded this year from two countries to six, brings together participants from Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Ghana.
Organisers said more than 600 candidates applied for the fellowship, with only 24 selected for the final cohort.
The participants will spend 12 weeks developing technology projects focused on applied artificial intelligence, before presenting their work at a final “Demo Day” event in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
According to Yango Group, this year’s edition will focus on practical AI applications addressing sectors such as health, education, transport and energy.
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Projects under development include health education tools, energy monitoring systems, traffic optimisation models and personalised learning platforms using local languages.
The programme is structured in three phases covering problem identification and market analysis, product development and final project presentation.
Selected teams will pitch their prototypes to a panel of experts and potential partners, with the possibility of securing financial support for further development.
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“The Yango Fellowship is part of our long-term commitment to the development of local technology ecosystems,” said Adeniyi Adebayo, chief business officer of Yango Group.
“By supporting emerging talent and fostering collaboration between countries, we are helping to bring out concrete solutions that meet the needs of African markets,” he added.
In Senegal, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen digital skills and expand opportunities within the country’s growing technology sector.
Yango said it already supports thousands of local entrepreneurs and business partners through digital platforms and technology-based services.
The programme comes amid growing concern over Africa’s shortage of science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals.
According to the World Bank, the continent faces a deficit of more than 2.5 million STEM workers.
Organisers said the fellowship aims to help narrow that gap by giving young professionals hands-on experience, mentorship and access to international professional networks.
Previous editions of the programme have produced projects in healthcare, engineering and education, with some participants later launching startups or joining partner organisations.
Africa’s technology sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by increased mobile connectivity, digital finance adoption and rising investment in innovation hubs across the continent.
Analysts say initiatives focused on skills development and entrepreneurship will be critical to sustaining growth in the region’s digital economy and addressing high youth unemployment.
The expansion of the Yango Fellowship also reflects increasing competition among technology companies seeking to build talent pipelines and strengthen their presence in African markets.
The final Demo Day event in Abidjan is expected to bring together investors, industry experts and technology stakeholders from across the region.
