The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened applications for the 2026 ECOWAS Immersion Internship Program, designed to provide young graduates across the region with valuable professional exposure within ECOWAS institutions. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the career development of participants while also enabling them to understand ECOWAS operations more closely and contribute directly to the effectiveness of its programmes.
By integrating young professionals into its structures, ECOWAS seeks to build a pipeline of future leaders with first-hand experience in regional cooperation and development. The internship is an opportunity for participants to sharpen their skills, enhance employability, and gain a deeper appreciation of the organisation’s mission of promoting economic growth, political stability, and integration across West Africa.
ECOWAS Immersion Internship Summary
- Host: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
- Category: Internships | Training
- Eligible Countries: All West African Countries
- Reward: Monthly Stipends | Other Attractive Compensation
- Deadline: September 21, 2025
Internship Details
The Immersion Internship Program aims to improve the professional integration of young graduates by granting them opportunities to understand ECOWAS programmes better while contributing to their efficient implementation. ECOWAS, also known as CEDEAO in French, is a regional political and economic body uniting fifteen West African countries. Together, these states cover more than 5.1 million square kilometres, with a combined population exceeding 349 million people as of 2015.
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ECOWAS Internship Program Requirements
- Be a young graduate from any ECOWAS Member State.
- Be aged 32 years or younger.
- Hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or equivalent certificate.
- Be available for full-time participation throughout the duration of the programme.
Benefits
- The programme lasts for a maximum of 12 months (non-renewable).
- It is conducted across ECOWAS Departments, Agencies, Resident Representations, and Institutions, or any designated host structure.
- At the end of the internship, participants must submit a detailed report in three copies: one to the Department of Human Development and Social Affairs (DHAS), one to the host department, and one to themselves.
- The internship operates under arrangements agreed upon with the host institution.
- Participation is strictly physical; however, those not based in Abuja may join feedback or information sessions online when required by the Coordination Unit.
Required Documents
- A formal request addressed to the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, outlining motivation, areas of interest, preferred profile, choice of immersion location, and a commitment to respect programme conditions.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (in PDF format).
- A valid national ID card or passport (PDF or JPEG).
- Copies of academic certificates or equivalent qualifications (in PDF format).
Note: Each candidate may apply for a maximum of two positions.
How to Apply for ECOWAS Immersion Internship 2026 (Step by Step)
To apply, interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications through the official application link provided.
- Internship positions are defined in consultation with ECOWAS Departments and host structures before each programme cycle, allowing candidates to apply based on identified needs.
- A total of 80 positions are available for the 2026 cycle.
- A Technical Selection Committee will select beneficiaries.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for subsequent stages of the process.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the ECOWAS Immersion Internship is September 21, 2025.
APPLY FOR THE ECOWAS IMMERSION INTERNSHIP
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