World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2025
The World Bank Group’s Africa region has officially opened applications for the 2026 Africa Fellowship Program, targeting Ph.D. candidates and recent graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative seeks to cultivate the next generation of African leaders and researchers dedicated to development, policymaking, and poverty reduction across the continent. Notably, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, reflecting the program’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.
The fellowship is designed for doctoral candidates currently enrolled in their final year or individuals who have completed their Ph.D. within the past three years. Successful applicants will gain invaluable practical experience through a six-month placement either at the World Bank Group’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at one of its country offices. The fellowship period runs from January to June 2026 and requires in-person attendance.
During the fellowship, participants will contribute directly to various facets of the World Bank’s operations. These include research projects, economic policy formulation, technical assistance programs, and lending operations. All activities align with the overarching goals of the World Bank Group: eliminating poverty and fostering shared prosperity throughout developing regions, with a particular focus on Africa.
Program Overview
Since its inception, the Africa Fellowship Program has successfully developed a strong pipeline of highly skilled African talent. The program appeals to young scholars passionate about contributing to development through international institutions, national governments, think tanks, and academia. By offering hands-on experience within the World Bank’s operations, fellows gain critical insights into the practical challenges and solutions involved in achieving inclusive economic growth.
Participants engage in knowledge generation and dissemination, the design and evaluation of policies at both global and country levels, and institutional capacity building. This exposure equips fellows with the skills and networks necessary to influence development outcomes in their home countries and beyond.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:
Be a recent Ph.D. graduate (within three years of completing the degree) or be in the final year of their doctoral program.
Demonstrate excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
Possess strong quantitative and analytical capabilities.
Be under 32 years of age at the application deadline.
These criteria ensure that the fellowship attracts candidates with the requisite academic background, communication skills, and analytical aptitude needed to succeed in a demanding, multidisciplinary environment.
Selection Process
The selection for the Africa Fellowship Program occurs in two phases:
Phase One involves shortlisting candidates based on their qualifications, fields of specialization, and areas of interest. Shortlisted applicants are then made available to various units within the World Bank Group that match their expertise. Candidates will receive notifications regarding the status of their application.
Phase Two consists of consultations between the shortlisted candidates and World Bank units to finalize the selection. Following this, all applicants will be informed of the outcome. Successful candidates will be offered short-term consultancy contracts for the duration of the fellowship.
Fellows receive consultancy fees and are provided with round-trip economy-class airfare to their placement location, whether Washington, D.C., or a World Bank country office.
Application Details
The application window for the 2026 fellowship opened on July 1, 2025, and will close on August 25, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full eligibility criteria and submit their materials promptly to be considered.
Impact and Opportunities
The Africa Fellowship Program stands as a vital platform for advancing the continent’s development agenda by empowering emerging scholars and practitioners. It provides an unparalleled opportunity for young African researchers to deepen their understanding of development challenges and gain practical skills in policy and program implementation.
Through this program, fellows contribute to the World Bank’s mission to reduce poverty and promote shared prosperity while building a network of skilled African professionals ready to lead future development initiatives. Past fellows have gone on to influential roles in international organizations, national governments, academia, and civil society, underscoring the program’s success in nurturing leadership and expertise.
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