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 an African-German young leaders programme that connects young talents from Africa and Germany in a long-term business network. Its goal is to promote African-German dialogue and foster long-term economic cooperation. Through direct encounters and collaboration among participants, AGYLE aims to generate new impulses within the framework of development cooperation between Africa and Germany. The programme brings together a diverse range of forward-thinking actors and industries – from startups and large corporations to digital technologies, green innovations, circular economy, and the agricultural and food sectors.

Who is AGYLE aimed at?: AGYLE is aimed at young executives from Germany and Africa who have already achieved initial professional success and have at least three years of leadership experience. Participants benefit from the diverse opportunities and international exchange within this network. AGYLE provides a platform for young leaders from various sectors in Germany and selected African countries to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.

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 cooperation on an equal footing. The business network therefore serves the purpose of networking and establishing sustainable economic cooperation. The programme also helps to make African perspectives and voices heard in Germany and Europe.

Who sponsors AGYLE?: AGYLE is a programme by “Germany – Land of Ideas” and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is also supported by the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE).

What does the AGYLE network look like?  : The growing AGYLE network now includes 160 young leaders from Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Tunisia, Senegal, and Germany. This dynamic network offers various formats that enable participants to meet regularly, both in person and digitally, and engage with representatives from business, politics, and civil society on relevant topics. Additionally, the programme maintains different communication channels, such as a closed LinkedIn or WhatsApp group, allowing participants to stay connected beyond events, share news, and invite each other to gatherings.

When can I apply for AGYLE 2025? : The application period for AGYLE 2025 starts on 5 March 2025 and ends on 11 April 2025 and will be announced on our website and 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 Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Tunisia, Senegal, and Germany, or those who have been working in one of these countries for at least five years. We especially welcome applicants who are committed to a sustainable future and green cities. If you are also eager to become part of the AGYLE alumni network and actively contribute, we encourage you to apply!

What are the selection criteria?

Age: max. 40 years 
At least 3 years in a leadership position with managerial experience in business, politics, or society.
English proficiency: Good command of English, as it is the working language of the network.
Social engagement: Commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Interest in German-African relations: Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest in shaping German-African economic relations through their previous activities.

Which countries are inclued and why?: Next year, participants from Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Tunisia, Senegal and Germany are expected to take part. AGYLE is aimed at participants from African countries that are part of the ‘Compact with Africa’ initiative, which currently comprises 12 African countries.

What does the AGYLE Live Week involve?: The AGYLE Live Week offers a unique opportunity for 25 promising young leaders from Germany and selected African countries to network intensively and develop both professionally and personally. An international jury selects 10 participants from Germany and 15 from African countries to take part in the Live Week and join the AGYLE network.

The topics change annually and aim to provide fresh momentum for German-African collaboration. Previous themes have included circular economy, digitalization, and green innovation. Participants benefit from expert insights, leadership training, and intercultural cooperation to enhance their leadership skills. The AGYLE Live Week thus lays the foundation for future sustainable and trust-based collaborations within the AGYLE network and beyond.

Where does the AGYLE Live Week take place?: The AGYLE Live Week takes place in Germany. The exact location will be announced soon.

How long is the Live Week?: The AGYLE Live Week lasts five days, plus travel days.

What is the core theme of AGYLE 2025?: Green Cities Rising - Pioneering Sustainable Urban Development

Continued urbanisation and a steady growth in population, combined with the looming climate crisis that is making more and more regions worldwide uninhabitable, highlight the urgent need for sustainable, intelligent and inclusive urban planning. To ensure quality of life in metropolitan areas for future generations, it is vital to overcome environmental, social and economic challenges.

Against this background, the 2025 AGYLE programme revolves around innovative business solutions for sustainable urban development in the areas of mobility, architecture, energy supply, waste management, and digitisation.

In this context, we are addressing key questions such as the following: How can businesses contribute to green urban development and green growth? And how can cooperation between African and German companies be strengthened with a view to promoting sustainable urban development?

When does the AGYLE Live Week take place?: The AGYLE Live Week will take place from 15-20 September. Arrival day is 14 September and departure day is 21 September.

What costs are covered?: Participation in the AGYLE Live Week is largely free of charge for participants. The programme covers the costs of accommodation, transport and all events during the Live Week. Catering is also largely included; individual evening meals are to be paid for by the participants themselves.

What happens if I can't take part in Live Week at short notice?: After a positive commitment to the AGYLE Live Week, participants undertake to travel to Germany for a period of 5 days and actively participate in the programme. In the event of non-appearance or cancellation at short notice four weeks before the start of the AGYLE Live Week, the participant must bear the travel and accommodation costs incurred. Exceptions will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Questions about the AGYLE Alumni Formats

Is there an AGYLE Event in Africa?: In 2025, AGYLE invites all alumni for the first time to the annual Alumni Meet-Up in Africa - a three-day event full of networking, change of perspective and exchange! With up to 50 places for workshops and company visits, the Meet-Up offers space for exciting local insights and valuable contacts with local companies and organisations. Cooperation with German organisations abroad, such as the German Embassy, AHK, GIZ or the Goethe-Institut, is planned.

When does the AGYLE Alumni Meet-Up take place?: The AGYLE Alumni Meet-Up will take place from 5-7 Mai 2025.

Duration: 3 days, plus travel days.

Where does the AGYLE Alumni Meet-Up take place?: The AGYLE Alumni Meet-Up will take place in Kigali, Rwanda.

What are the conditions of participation for the AGYLE Alumni Meet Up?: All AGYLE alumni can register for the AGYLE Alumni Meet-Up in Africa. The number of participants for the workshop formats and company visits is limited to a maximum of 50. The first 50 registered alumni are automatically registered. The evening events are open to the entire AGYLE Alumni network.

Conditions: By registering, participants undertake to travel independently for the duration of the event (3 days) and to actively participate in the full-day programme. Participants who fail to attend at short notice must bear the costs of participation and accommodation themselves.

What 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 events and catering during the Meet-Up. However, participants are responsible for their own travel costs to the event.

Participants who fail to attend at short notice are responsible for their own participation and accommodation costs.