The World Bank Africa Fellowship Program 2026 is now accepting applications from qualified young African scholars. This prestigious opportunity is designed to support emerging African researchers and professionals, providing them with the platform to contribute meaningfully to development policy and research at one of the world’s leading institutions for global development.
Through this fully funded program, selected fellows will spend six months working with experts at the World Bank’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at a regional office, gaining valuable practical experience in policy formulation, technical assistance, and economic development initiatives.
Fellowship at a Glance
| Fellowship Name | World Bank Africa Fellowship Program 2026 |
| Host Organization | World Bank Group |
| Location | Washington, D.C. or a World Bank country office |
| Eligible Applicants | Nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries |
| Level | Ph.D. holders or candidates in the final year of study |
| Duration | 6 months (January–June 2026) |
| Benefits | Full sponsorship, travel, and consultant fees |
| Deadline | August 25, 2025 |
About the World Bank Africa Fellowship Program
The World Bank Africa Fellowship is part of the institution’s broader mission to invest in African talent and promote inclusive development in the region. Launched to strengthen the pipeline of African professionals in development work, the program has helped fellows transition into impactful careers in policy research, academia, and international organizations.
Fellows are embedded within World Bank units where they work on real-world challenges across sectors like education, health, energy, finance, and infrastructure. In addition to learning from leading experts, fellows contribute to the World Bank’s efforts to reduce poverty and foster sustainable development in Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:
- Ph.D. Status: Must be currently enrolled in the final year of a relevant Ph.D. program, or have completed a Ph.D. within the last three years.
- Citizenship: Must be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Age Limit: Must be under the age of 32 by the application deadline.
- Language Proficiency: Strong written and spoken English is essential.
- Skills: Demonstrated quantitative and analytical skills.
Additional Preferences
The program particularly encourages applications from:
- Nationals of fragile and conflict-affected countries.
- Candidates from refugee or internally displaced backgrounds.
- Individuals fluent in a second official World Bank language (e.g., French, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Russian).
Fellowship Benefits
Fellows accepted into the program will receive:
- Consultant Fees: Monthly stipend for the six-month duration.
- Travel Support: Round-trip economy airfare to Washington, D.C., or a designated country office.
- Professional Experience: Direct involvement in World Bank projects and operations.
- Mentorship: Work under experienced economists and development specialists.
Selection Process
The selection will occur in two main phases:
- Shortlisting: Applications will be reviewed, and a shortlist will be compiled based on academic qualifications, professional interests, and alignment with World Bank priorities.
- Final Selection: Shortlisted candidates will be matched with various units across the World Bank Group. Final selections will be made in collaboration with these teams.
All applicants will be notified of their application status throughout the process.
How to Apply
To apply for the 2026 World Bank Africa Fellowship Program:
- Visit the official fellowship webpage.
- Review the program details carefully.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit all required documents before the deadline: August 25, 2025.
Note: Early applications are strongly encouraged due to the competitive nature of the program.
For more details about the application, visit official website here.
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