World Bank Africa Fellowship Program 2026

World Bank Africa Fellowship Program 2026 for sub-Saharan African Graduates

The Africa Region of the World Bank Group (WBG) is pleased to announce the upcoming application cycle for the 2026 Africa Fellowship Program. This distinguished initiative targets Ph.D. candidates and recent doctoral graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa, with a strong emphasis on encouraging female participation. The fellowship offers an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience in international development, while contributing to the global mission of ending poverty and promoting shared prosperity.

Since its launch in 2013, the program has fostered a robust pipeline of talented African scholars who have made significant contributions to policy, research, and development practices both on the continent and globally. In 2025 alone, over 3,000 candidates applied, resulting in the selection of 26 fellows—54% of whom were women. These fellows represented 15 African countries and were placed in various departments across the WBG, including the Development Research Group, Climate Finance Mobilization, Health, Nutrition & Population, among others.

What the World Bank Africa Fellowship Program Offers

Selected fellows will spend six months (January–June 2026) at World Bank Group (WBG) headquarters in Washington, D.C., or in a country office, contributing to:

• Research and data analysis
• Economic policy and lending operations
• Technical assistance
• Knowledge generation and dissemination

Throughout the program, fellows will benefit from access to leading development experts, global networks, and professional mentorship from WBG staff, enhancing both their technical expertise and career trajectories.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the World Bank Africa Fellowship Program, applicants must:

• Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country
• Be under 32 years of age at the time of application deadline
• Be enrolled in a Ph.D. program (final year) or have completed a Ph.D. within the past three years
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in English
• Possess robust quantitative and analytical skills

Selection Process

The fellowship selection involves a two-stage process:

• Shortlisting: Applications are reviewed, and candidates are matched with appropriate WBG units based on their area of expertise

• Final Selection: Following consultations with relevant departments, selected finalists are offered six-month consultancy positions beginning in January 2026

Fellows will receive consultant-level compensation and round-trip economy-class airfare to their duty station.

Impact of the Program

Alumni of the Africa Fellowship Program have gone on to serve as consultants, young professionals, and economists within the World Bank Group. Many others have taken up influential roles at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), African universities, and prominent global think tanks. The program’s impact lies not only in developing technical skills, but also in the meaningful, real-world contributions fellows make during their assignments.

Apply and Lead the Change

If you’re a young African scholar ready to help shape development policy and practice, this is your opportunity. Join a growing network of changemakers dedicated to Africa’s transformation—one research insight, one policy brief, one impactful project at a time.

Applications for the 2026 WBG Africa Fellowship Program open HERE soon