The application process has commenced for the 2026 World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program. The World Bank Group’s Africa division is excited to launch the application window for its 2026 Africa Fellowship initiative, designed specifically for doctoral candidates and newly graduated Ph.D. holders who are citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries.
Read more about Opportunities
Female applicants are particularly encouraged to participate. The Africa Fellowship Program seeks to develop the capabilities of emerging African leaders in development research and policy formulation while advancing poverty reduction objectives throughout the region.
Successful candidates will:
- Engage in a six-month immersive experience at World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C. or at a regional country office. Physical presence is mandatory for the January-June 2025 fellowship period.
- Contribute to research initiatives, economic policy development, technical support services, and lending activities aligned with WBG’s mission to eradicate poverty and enhance shared prosperity.
This initiative focuses on promising young African citizens who are either completing their doctoral studies or have recently finished their Ph.D. in fields connected to World Bank operations.
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Since its establishment, the fellowship has proven highly effective in creating a robust network of young African professionals pursuing careers in development across international organisations, African government institutions, policy research centres, and academic institutions.
The program provides chosen participants with a six-month placement at World Bank Group facilities in Washington, D.C. or regional offices, offering practical exposure to WBG operations. This encompasses knowledge creation and sharing, development of global and national policies, and institutional capacity building to foster inclusive economic growth in developing nations. Fellows benefit from research and innovation across various sectors while contributing to research projects, economic policy work, technical assistance programs, and lending operations that support the World Bank’s poverty elimination and shared prosperity objectives.
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Qualification Criteria
- Must be a recent Ph.D. recipient (graduated within the past three years) or currently enrolled in the final year of doctoral studies.
- Demonstrate exceptional English proficiency in both written and spoken communication.
- Display robust quantitative and analytical capabilities.
- Must be younger than 32 years old when the application period closes.
Application Closing Date: August 25, 2025. Click HERE to apply.
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