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Frequently asked Questions

Here you find frequently asked questions and answers.

General Questions about the AGYLE Programme

What is AGYLE? 

AGYLE (African German Young Leaders in Business) is a programme that has been connecting young leaders from selected African and European countries in a long-term business network since 2021. Through direct exchange and collaboration, the programme strengthens African–European dialogue and supports the development of sustainable economic partnerships.

Each year, an international jury selects outstanding young leaders to take part in the AGYLE Live Week in Berlin. During the programme, participants exchange on annually changing topics, further develop innovative and sustainable ideas, and establish African–European collaborations. Previous annual topics included circular economy, digitalisation, green innovation and sustainable urban development. In 2026, the programme will focus on GreenTech.

Who is AGYLE aimed at?

AGYLE is aimed at young leaders from Austria, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisia who have already achieved initial professional success and have at least three years of leadership experience. Participants are expected to benefit from the diverse opportunities offered by the programme, as well as from the international and professional exchange within the network.

What is the long-term goal of the programme?

AGYLE aims to intensify the African-German dialogue, work on joint solutions to global challenges, and promote partnerships on an equal footing. The business network therefore serves the purpose of networking and establishing sustainable economic cooperation. In addition, the programme also helps to give greater visibility and recognition to African perspectives in Germany and across Europe.

Who funds AGYLE?

AGYLE is a programme implemented by “Germany – Land of Ideas” and is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is supported by the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE), International Partners Austria and ICEP.

What does the AGYLE network look like?  

The continuously growing AGYLE network currently compromises around 190 young leaders from Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisia. This dynamic network offers a range of formats that enable participants to meet regularly, both in person and digitally. They provide opportunities to exchange ideas on relevant topics with representatives from business, politics and civil society, as well as to connect with one another.

In addition, the programme maintains different communication channels, such as a closed WhatsApp group, enabling participants to stay connected beyond official events, share updates and invite one another to relevant activities and gatherings.

When can I apply for AGYLE 2026? 

The application period for AGYLE 2026 starts on 18 February 2026 and ends on 1 April 2026. The call for applications will be announced on our website and across our social media channels.

Questions about the AGYLE Live Week

Who can apply?

You are a perfect fit for AGYLE if you are a young leader up to the age of 40 with at least three years of leadership experience or if you have founded your own company. The programme is open to individuals from Austria, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisia, or those who have been working in one of these countries for at least five years and are active in the GreenTech sector. 

We particularly welcome applicants who are committed to shaping a sustainable future. If you are also interested in becoming part of the AGYLE alumni network and contributing actively, we encourage you to apply!

What are the selection criteria?
  • Age: Up to 40 years 
  • Professional experience: At least 3 years in a leadership position with management responsability in business, politics, or civil society, or having founded your own company
  • Language skills: Good command of English, as it is the working language of the network
  • Social engagement: Commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Interest in African-European relations: A demonstrated interest in shaping African-European economic relations
Young leaders from which countries can apply for the AGYLE programme?

The programme is open to individuals from Austria, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisia, as well as to those who have been working in one of these countries for at least five years.

Which countries will be part of AGYLE this year and why?

In 2026, participants from Austria, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisia are expected to take part. In Europe, AGYLE focuses on participants from Germany and Austria, while in Africa the programme targets selected countries that are part of the Compact with Africa initiative, which currently includes 15 African countries.

What does the AGYLE Live Week involve?

The AGYLE Live Week offers a unique opportunity for 40 promising young leaders from Austria, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisia to network intensively and develop both professionally and personally. Each year, an international jury selects suitable candidates to take part in the Live Week and to join the AGYLE network.

Each year features a new thematic focus that provides impulses for African–European cooperation. In the previous years, topics have included circular economy, digitalisation, green innovation and sustainable urban development. In 2026, the focus will be on GreenTech. During the Live Week, participants receive expert insights, take part in leadership training and strengthen their leadership skills through exchange with peers from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. The AGYLE Live Week therefore lays the foundation for long-term, sustainable and trust-based cooperation within the AGYLE network and beyond.

Where does the AGYLE Live Week take place?

The AGYLE Live Week takes place in Berlin, Germany.

How long is the Live Week?

The AGYLE Live Week lasts five days, plus travel days.

What is the core theme of AGYLE 2026?

GreenTech for Impact – Young Leaders Shaping Climate-Smart Economies

Across Africa and Europe, societies and markets are facing profound challenges. Climate change, water scarcity, rising energy demand, fragile supply chains, food security concerns and resource constraints all call for new answers — and for people ready to actively drive change. At the same time, the GreenTech sector is growing rapidly, opening up new opportunities for sustainable and entrepreneurial action.

Against this backdrop, the AGYLE 2026 programme addresses young leaders and entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions in key GreenTech fields, including renewable energy, Climate- and AgriTech, water and resource management, and sustainable mobility.

In this context, AGYLE 2026 explores key questions such as:

  • Which technological solutions are needed to effectively address current and future environmental and societal challenges? 

  • How can companies measure their environmental impact while achieving sustainable economic growth? 

  • Which skills, partnerships, and enabling conditions empower young leaders to drive lasting, sustainable transformation?

When does the AGYLE Live Week take place?

The AGYLE Live Week will take place from 14-18 September 2026. 

What costs are covered?

Participation in the AGYLE Live Week is largely free of charge for participants. The programme covers the costs of travel, accommodation, transport and all official activities during the Live Week. Catering is also largely included. Individual evening meals, personal leisure activities and any visa-related expenses are to be covered by participants.

What happens if I can't take part in Live Week at short notice?

Once participation in the AGYLE Live Week has been confirmed, participants commit to travelling to Germany for the full five-day duration of the programme and to taking part actively. In the event of non-attendance or a last-minute cancellation within four weeks of the start of the AGYLE Live Week, the participant may be required to cover any travel and accommodation costs already incurred. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Questions about the AGYLE Alumni Formats

What alumni formats does AGYLE offer?

After joining the AGYLE alumni network, participants have access to a wide range of opportunities for professional development and networking.

AGYLE offers the following formats:

  • AGYLE Meet-up: A three-day, thematic in-person format held in one of the African partner countries, focusing on networking and the deepening of concrete collaborations.
  • AGYLE Digital Events: Three times a year, the alumni network comes together online for expert talks, panel discussions, “fuck-up nights” or matchmaking sessions.
  • AGYLE Focus Groups: Alumni network in small, dedicated groups and collaborate on future-relevant topics.
  • AGYLE Hotline: During regular consultation hours, the project team supports alumni with their questions and individual concerns.
Is there an AGYLE Event in Africa?

In 2025, AGYLE invited all alumni for the first time to an AGYLE Alumni Meet-up in Rwanda. Alumni from all four cohorts from Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisia came together to meet in person, exchange views on shared visions and strengthen African-German cooperation. The three-day programme offered a wide range of impulses, from panel discussions with local entrepreneurs to a reception hosted by the German Ambassador. The Meet-up was complemented by visits to local companies and a leadership workshop.

An AGYLE Alumni Meet-up is also planned for 2026 and will take place in Tunisia.

When does the AGYLE Alumni Meet-up take place?

The AGYLE Alumni Meet-Up will take place from 4 to 6 May 2026.

Duration: Three days, plus travel days. 

Where does the AGYLE Alumni Meet-up 2026 take place?

The AGYLE Alumni Meet-up will take place in Tunis, Tunisia.

What are the conditions of participation for the AGYLE Alumni Meet-up?

All AGYLE alumni are eligible to register for the AGYLE Alumni Meet-up. Participation in the workshop formats and company visits is limited to a maximum of 50 participants. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. The evening events are open to the entire AGYLE Alumni network.

Conditions: By registering, participants commit to arranging their own travel to and from the event and to actively participating in the full three-day programme. In the event of non-attendance at short notice, participants may be required to cover any participation and accommodation costs incurred.

Which costs are covered?

Participation in the AGYLE Alumni Meet-up is largely free of charge for participants. The programme covers the costs of accommodation, as well as all official activities and catering during the Meet-up. Travel to and from the event, however, must be covered by the participants themselves.

In the event of non-attendance at short notice, participants may be required to cover any participation and accommodation costs incurred.

AGYLE is a programme of Germany - Land of Ideas and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

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