funding: Unpaid — interns cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs
location: Accra, Ghana
host: AfCFTA Secretariat
duration: Up to 6 months, renewable once (minimum 3 months)
apply-url: https://jobs.au.int/job/Internship-Program-International-Trade%2C-International-Trade-Law%2C-Law%2C-Economics_/3029-en_US
The AfCFTA Secretariat's International Trade, International Trade Law, Law, and Economics internship gives students and recent graduates the chance to gain hands-on, international experience at the Secretariat's headquarters in Accra, Ghana, supporting legal and trade-policy work tied to implementation of the AfCFTA agreement. The program is unpaid, and open to African Union member-state nationals who reside in Ghana.
Overview
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the world's largest free trade area, bringing together the 55 African Union member states and 8 Regional Economic Communities to create a single continental market of about 1.3 billion people. The AfCFTA Secretariat's internship program brings qualified students into the Secretariat to work on projects tied to its strategic priorities, giving interns exposure to the workings of a continental institution early in their careers.
Eligibility
- Be a national of an African Union Member State, residing in Ghana
- Be a final-year student enrolled full-time in an accredited degree program in international trade, international trade law, law, economics, or a related field
- Be available full-time for a minimum of three months
- Be proficient in at least one AU working language (English, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Kiswahili, or Spanish); fluency in an additional AU language is an advantage
- Have strong IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office
- Be willing and able to work in a multicultural, international team environment
- Female candidates are encouraged to apply
Funding & Benefits
This is an unpaid internship — the AfCFTA Secretariat covers no travel, accommodation, or living costs, and interns are not compensated for travel. The internship is authorized for up to six months and can be renewed once.
- Hands-on, international work experience within a continental institution
- Direct exposure to Africa's regional trade and economic integration agenda
- Mentorship from experienced Secretariat professionals
- Professional networking across multiple sectors
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the African Union careers portal and are open until August 7, 2026 (11:59 p.m. UTC).
- Register on the AU careers portal if you're a first-time applicant, then complete your profile using the mandatory AU CV template
- Submit a motivation letter addressed to the Administration and Human Resources Directorate, explaining what you hope to gain from the internship
- Attach a copy of your valid passport or national ID
- Attach your current CV
- You'll receive an email confirmation once your application is successfully submitted
Applications go through pre-screening, then shortlisted candidates may be invited to a telephone interview and/or written test. Selected candidates receive an offer letter from the AHRM Directorate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AfCFTA internship paid?
No, it is unpaid. Interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.
Who is eligible to apply?
African Union member-state nationals residing in Ghana, enrolled full-time as final-year students in international trade, international trade law, law, economics, or a related field, available for a minimum of three months.
What is the application deadline?
August 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. UTC.
How long does the internship last?
It's authorized for up to six months and can be renewed once.
What documents do I need to apply?
A motivation letter, a valid passport or national ID, and a current CV, submitted using the mandatory AU CV template.