Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program 2027

Applications are now open for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program 2027, a prestigious leadership development opportunity designed to prepare the next generation of outstanding African leaders. The programme was established in 2011 to give emerging African professionals practical experience within leading regional and international institutions while strengthening their technical, leadership and policy skills.

Each year, three Fellows are selected to work for 12 months in the executive offices of the African Development Bank Group in Abidjan, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, or the International Trade Centre in Geneva. Fellows contribute directly to research, policy development and strategic work while receiving mentorship from senior leaders at their host institutions.

The fellowship is intended for young professionals, mid career professionals and new executives from African countries who have relevant professional experience and a Master’s degree. The programme provides an opportunity to gain first hand exposure to institutional leadership, development policy and decision making at major African and international organisations.

About the Fellowship

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship Programme is supported by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and provides high level professional exposure within institutions working on Africa’s economic and social development.

During the fellowship, participants gain experience in research, policy design, strategic planning and institutional leadership. Fellows work alongside senior officials and receive direct mentorship from the leadership of their host organisation.

The three host institutions are the African Development Bank Group in Abidjan, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa and the International Trade Centre in Geneva.

At the African Development Bank, the 2027 fellowship places particular emphasis on areas connected to Africa’s development priorities, including development finance, financial architecture, demographic trends, climate resilient infrastructure and value addition to natural resources.

Fellowship Benefits

• US$100,000 stipend for the 12 month fellowship

• Professional experience within a leading African or international institution

• Direct mentorship from senior leaders of the host organisation

• Practical experience in research, policy development and strategic work

• Exposure to high level institutional decision making

• Development of technical and leadership skills

• Opportunities to build professional networks across Africa and internationally

• Membership of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s Now Generation Network after the fellowship

• Opportunity to contribute to initiatives supporting Africa’s governance and development

Host Institutions

• African Development Bank Group, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

• United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

• International Trade Centre, Geneva, Switzerland

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation states that three Fellows are selected each year, with one Fellow placed at each participating institution.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the core eligibility requirements established for the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships:

• Be a national of an African country

• Have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience

• Hold a Master’s degree

• Be under 40 years of age

• Women with children may be considered up to the age of 45

• Meet any additional eligibility requirements established by the selected host institution

• Demonstrate professional experience relevant to the work of the host organisation

Selection Focus

The fellowship seeks candidates with strong professional experience, analytical ability and leadership potential. Host institutions may apply additional selection requirements according to their specific responsibilities and strategic priorities.

For the 2027 African Development Bank fellowship, the selection criteria highlight strong professional experience, particularly in the private sector, analytical skills in development policy and strategy, and the ability to work with development models.

The Bank has also identified four priority areas for the 2027 fellowship:

• Mobilising resources at scale to finance Africa’s development

• Reforming Africa’s financial architecture

• Harnessing the demographic dividend to drive economic growth

• Building climate resilient infrastructure and strengthening value addition to natural resources

Applicants should therefore demonstrate how their professional background and expertise relate to the work of their selected host institution.

Required Application Materials

Requirements may differ depending on the host institution. Applicants should review the specific application instructions before submitting their application.

For the African Development Bank fellowship, applicants are required to provide:

• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae including date of birth, nationality, education and relevant professional experience

• Academic transcripts

• Three letters of recommendation

• Any additional documents requested through the online application system

Applicants should ensure that all information is accurate and that their professional experience is clearly presented.

How to Apply

1. Review the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship information provided by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
2. Decide which host institution and fellowship opportunity best matches your professional background.
3. Review the specific eligibility requirements and application instructions of the African Development Bank, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa or International Trade Centre.
4. Prepare your Curriculum Vitae, academic documents, recommendation letters and any other required materials.
5. Complete the online application through the relevant host institution.
6. Submit your application before the November 20, 2026 deadline.
7. Keep copies of your submitted application and supporting documents for your records.