Africa’s up-and-coming leaders have the opportunity to get practical experience at the African Development Bank (AfDB) headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, through the 2026 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program. Through direct exposure to high-level decision-making and strategic operations within one of Africa’s top financial institutions, this esteemed fellowship aims to develop exceptional young and mid-career professionals from throughout the continent.
Fellows gain vital skills in governance, strategic planning, and policy creation under the guidance of AfDB’s senior executives, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to Africa’s long-term change.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was founded in 2006 with the goal of advancing innovative leadership and good governance across Africa.One of the Fellowship’s main goals is to develop competent leaders who can promote social progress, institutional integrity, and inclusive growth in their own nations.
The curriculum enhances African professionals’ ability to lead effectively in the public and private sectors by combining academic rigor, real-world experience, and leadership training. Graduates leave with a deeper comprehension of development issues, improved strategic insight, and a steadfast dedication to enhancing accountability and governance throughout the continent.
Host Country: Côte d’Ivoire
University: Côte d’Ivoire Universities
Hosted By: The African Development Bank (AfDB
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Subjects: All Subjects
Eligibility Country: African Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- A citizen of an African nation is required.
- Age requirement: under 40 (or under 45 for women with children).
- possess a Master’s degree or higher in a related field.
- possess a minimum of seven (7) years of work experience in areas that correspond with the High 5 priorities of the African Development Bank (AfDB):
- Africa is being powered and illuminated.
- Providing for Africa
- Africa’s industrialization
- Including Africa
- enhancing the standard of living for Africans
- Exhibit excellent communication, leadership, and analytical abilities.
- Demonstrate proficiency in strategic planning, project management, and policy formulation.
- must not be an AfDB employee, either current or past, or have close familial ties to an AfDB employee.
- Leaders of political parties, active military members, and government officials are not permitted to apply.
Benefits:
- Monthly payment from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for an annual stipend.
- The Bank will pay for all mission-related and travel-related expenses.
- The Foundation offers retirement, health, and child education benefits.
- direct communication with senior executives and the president of the AfDB.
- An exceptional chance to build leadership abilities and acquire policy experience in Africa’s top development organization.
Deadline: 20 November 2025
