The World Bank Group’s Africa region has officially launched the 2026 Africa Fellowship Program, inviting final-year PhD candidates and recent graduates from Sub‑Saharan Africa to apply. With a firm commitment to nurturing Africa’s future development leaders, the initiative particularly encourages women to join the cohort.
Timeline & Scope
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Application window: July 1 – August 25, 2025
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Fellowship period: January – June 2026 (6 months)
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Locations: World Bank HQ in Washington, D.C., or select country offices
Who Can Apply
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Nationals of Sub‑Saharan African countries
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Enrolled in their final year of a PhD, or obtained a doctorate within the past 3 years
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Under 32 years old by August 25, 2025
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Strong in English, quantitative, and analytical skills
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Women are strongly encouraged to apply
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The Fellowship Experience
Selected fellows will:
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Engage in hands-on work at WBG HQ or country offices
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Contribute to research, economic policy design, technical assistance, and lending operations
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Work on projects aimed at poverty reduction and shared prosperity across sectors such as climate finance, health, and development research.
Compensation includes consultant fees and round-trip economy airfare to the assigned duty station
Selection Process At-A-Glance
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Phase I: Applications are reviewed; shortlisted applicants are matched to WBG units aligned with their expertise.
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Phase II: Host units finalise selections; fellows are onboarded as short-term consultants beginning January 2026.
Program Impact & Reach
Since its inception in 2013, the fellowship has built a strong pipeline of future leaders across academia, international organisations, and African governments.
In 2025 alone, the program received over 3,000 applications and selected 26 fellows (54% women) from 15 countries, with placements in Development Research, Climate Finance, Health & more.
Click HERE to Apply
