The World Bank Group’s Africa region has launched the 2026 World Bank Africa Fellowship Program, which is open to Ph.D. candidates and recent graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa. This program aims to empower the next generation of African changemakers by focusing on development research and policymaking, with an emphasis on poverty reduction in the region.
The fellowship specifically targets talented young African nationals who are completing or have recently completed their Ph.D. in fields relevant to the World Bank’s work. Since its inception, the program has been highly successful and has created a strong pipeline of young talent in Africa. Many young professionals have shown interest in pursuing development careers across various sectors.
Selected fellows will receive a six-month assignment at World Bank offices in Washington D.C. or in-country offices. This hands-on experience will allow them to engage in various aspects of World Bank Group operations, including knowledge generation and dissemination. Fellows will also assist in designing global and country policies, as well as contribute to building institutions that promote inclusive growth in developing countries.
The World Bank Africa Fellowship program in 2026 offers exposure to research and innovation across multiple sectors. Additionally, fellows will work on economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations, all of which support the World Bank’s goals of eliminating poverty and increasing shared prosperity. The World Bank Africa Fellowship Program provides a unique opportunity for young African professionals to gain valuable experience and prepare them to make significant contributions to Africa’s development.
Full Eligibility Criteria for the 2026 World Bank Africa Fellowship Program
- Be a recent Ph.D. graduate (within three years of completion) or be in the last year of the Ph.D. program.
- Have an excellent command of English, both written and verbal.
- Possesses strong quantitative and analytical skills.
- Be under the age of 32 by the closing of the application period.
If accepted, you will:
- Spend six months gaining hands-on experience at the World Bank Group (WBG) headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at a country office. This fellowship requires in-person availability from January to June 2025.
- You will work on research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations that contribute to the WBG’s goal of eliminating poverty and promoting shared prosperity.
Selection Process
Phase I: A shortlist of candidates will be created and made available for hire to various units of the World Bank Group (WBG) based on the applicants’ fields of specialisation and interests. Applicants will be notified about the status of their application, including whether they have been shortlisted.
Phase II: The final selection of fellows will be made in consultation with the different units of the WBG. Once the selection process is complete, all shortlisted candidates will be informed of their status. Selected candidates will then be notified and, upon acceptance, hired as short-term consultants for six months starting in January 2026.
You can also apply for University of Western Australia RTP Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded)
Fellows are eligible to receive consultant fees and round-trip economy-class airfare to Washington, D.C., or a WBG country office.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2025 World Bank Africa Fellowship Program is August 25, 2025.
You can apply for the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program here.
For more information, you can also visit the World Bank Africa Fellowship Program webpage here.
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