2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship at the African Development Bank: Eligibility, $100,000 Stipend, Requirements and How to Apply

The 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program at the African Development Bank (AfDB) is now open to qualified African professionals seeking high-level experience in development policy, strategy, leadership and institutional decision-making.

The program provides an opportunity for an outstanding African professional to spend up to 12 months working with the African Development Bank in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, contributing to strategic assignments and gaining direct exposure to senior-level leadership within one of Africa’s major multilateral development institutions.

The fellowship is funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and is designed to help develop a pipeline of future African leaders with the professional, analytical and leadership capacity needed to contribute to the governance and socioeconomic development of African countries.

For the 2027 intake, the African Development Bank states that the fellowship will focus particularly on four priority areas: mobilizing resources to finance Africa’s development, reforming Africa’s financial architecture, harnessing Africa’s demographic dividend to support economic growth, and building climate-resilient infrastructure and value addition to natural resources.

The application deadline is 20 November 2026.

About the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship

The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship Programme was established to help identify, develop and mentor the next generation of African leaders.

The program is based on the idea that Africa’s future leadership requires professionals who possess not only strong academic credentials but also practical experience, strategic thinking, policy knowledge and the ability to work effectively within complex institutions.

According to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the fellowships were established in 2011 to identify and mentor future generations of outstanding African leaders. Fellows work in the executive offices of institutions such as the African Development Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the International Trade Centre. The Foundation describes the program as a 12-month professional development opportunity combining technical and leadership development with exposure to senior institutional leadership.

For the 2027 fellowship cycle, the Foundation states that the program is open to young professionals, mid-career professionals and new executives from Africa who have relevant professional experience and a Master’s degree.

2027 Mo Ibrahim Fellowship at the African Development Bank

The African Development Bank is hosting one of the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship positions at its headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The official AfDB vacancy identifies the position as the 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program, with position number 50100504. The vacancy was posted in September 2026 and has a closing date of 20 November 2026.

The Fellow will work with the Bank for a period of up to 12 months. The fellowship is intended to provide practical exposure to strategic development work at a senior institutional level while allowing the Fellow to strengthen professional and leadership capacity.

The Fellow will receive guidance from senior leadership, including the President, Managing Directors, Chief of Staff and Director of Cabinet, or a designated representative. This places the Fellow within an environment where they can observe and contribute to high-level strategic work.

What Is the Purpose of the Fellowship?

The fellowship has both a professional development and African leadership development purpose.

Rather than being structured simply as an academic scholarship, the program provides an opportunity for a qualified professional to work directly within a major African development institution.

The Fellow is expected to contribute to real institutional assignments while developing a deeper understanding of:

• Development policy and strategy
• Financial and economic issues affecting Africa
• Institutional decision-making
• Strategic planning
• Policy formulation
• Project implementation
• Development financing
• Climate-resilient development
• Regional and continental development priorities
• Leadership within complex organizations
• High-level policy and institutional discussions

The broader objective is to strengthen the Fellow’s ability to contribute to the governance and development of their country and the African continent.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation describes its fellowship model as a way of preparing future African leaders through practical experience at senior levels of prominent African institutions and multilateral organizations.

Key Priority Areas for the 2027 African Development Bank Fellowship

The 2027 AfDB fellowship places particular emphasis on four areas described by the Bank as its Four Cardinal Points.

1. Mobilizing Resources to Finance Africa’s Development

The first priority focuses on increasing the resources available to finance Africa’s development.

This includes issues surrounding development finance, investment, financial mobilization and innovative approaches to funding infrastructure and socioeconomic development.

Applicants whose professional experience involves development finance, investment, banking, financial institutions, resource mobilization or related areas may therefore find a strong connection between their experience and this priority area.

2. Reforming Africa’s Financial Architecture

The second priority concerns the financial systems and institutional structures that support economic development across Africa.

This may involve areas such as financial policy, development finance, capital markets, financial institutions, international financial systems and strategies for improving the continent’s ability to finance sustainable development.

Strong analytical experience in finance, economics, policy or development strategy can be relevant to this area.

3. Harnessing the Demographic Dividend

The third priority focuses on Africa’s large and growing population, particularly the economic opportunities associated with its youthful population.

This includes issues relating to employment, productivity, skills development, entrepreneurship, human capital, economic participation and policies that can support inclusive economic growth.

Professionals working in economic development, public policy, private-sector development, youth employment, human capital or related areas may be able to connect their experience with this priority.

4. Building Climate-Resilient Infrastructure and Value Addition to Natural Resources

The fourth priority focuses on infrastructure that can withstand climate-related challenges while increasing the economic value derived from Africa’s natural resources.

This brings together areas such as climate resilience, infrastructure development, natural resource management, industrialization, value chains and sustainable economic development.

The Bank specifically identifies building climate-resilient infrastructure and robust value addition to natural resources among the priorities for the 2027 Fellow.

Learn More HERE

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is aimed at experienced professionals rather than applicants who are just beginning their careers.

The African Development Bank specifically describes the opportunity as being for young professionals, mid-career professionals and/or new executives.

Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate substantial professional experience, leadership capacity and a clear connection between their career background and the Bank’s development activities.

The official eligibility requirements include the following.

African Nationality

Applicants must be nationals of an African country and may be residing anywhere in the world.

This means that an eligible African professional does not necessarily have to be living in Africa at the time of application.

The AfDB vacancy additionally states that applicants must be nationals of an African Development Bank member country.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

• 40 years old or younger for men and women; or
• 45 years old or younger for women with children.

Applicants should carefully consider the applicable age requirement when preparing their application.

Master’s Degree

Applicants must have at least a Master’s degree from a recognized institution.

The Bank lists several relevant academic backgrounds, including:

• Banking
• Business
• Economics
• Social sciences
• Finance
• International development
• Other disciplines relevant to the African Development Bank’s business

Having a degree in one of these areas does not by itself guarantee eligibility. Applicants must also demonstrate the professional experience, leadership and technical competencies required by the Bank.

At Least Seven Years of Relevant Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of relevant work experience is required.

This is an important distinction because the opportunity is not designed primarily for recent graduates or professionals with only a few years of experience.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their professional background relates to the Bank’s activities and the priorities identified for the 2027 fellowship.

Leadership Experience

Applicants are expected to demonstrate proven leadership and consultative abilities.

The Bank is looking for professionals who can work with different stakeholders, communicate effectively and contribute to strategic decision-making.

Leadership experience may be demonstrated through professional responsibilities, strategic projects, policy initiatives, team management or other substantial assignments.

Strategic Planning and Project Management

Applicants should have experience in:

• Strategic planning
• Project management
• Project execution
• Developing and implementing strategies
• Formulating policies
• Developing new procedures
• Implementing institutional or organizational initiatives

These requirements indicate that the fellowship is intended for professionals who have already worked on complex assignments rather than candidates whose experience is limited to academic study.

Financial and Analytical Skills

The Bank specifically requires applicants to demonstrate a strong ability to analyze and interpret financial and other data.

The vacancy also highlights strong analytical skills in development policy and strategy and experience in the private sector as key competencies for the 2027 selection.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to demonstrate concrete examples of analytical work in their CV and application.

Communication Skills

Strong written and oral communication skills are required.

The Fellow may contribute to briefs, memoranda, strategic documents, high-level meetings and other forms of institutional communication.

Applicants should therefore be comfortable communicating complex issues clearly to different audiences.

Ability to Work With Diverse Stakeholders

The Bank expects the Fellow to be able to communicate and interact with government officials at different levels and work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse environment.

This requirement makes interpersonal skills, diplomacy, consultation and stakeholder management important elements of the application.

Ability to Manage Multiple Projects

Applicants should demonstrate an ability to motivate teams while simultaneously managing several projects.

This requirement is particularly relevant for professionals who have worked in environments involving multiple deadlines, stakeholders and strategic priorities.

Learn More HERE

Who Is Not Eligible?

The AfDB vacancy identifies several categories of people who cannot apply for this fellowship.

These include:

• Government officials
• Active military personnel
• Political party leaders
• Current AfDB staff
• Non-active, retired or separated AfDB staff
• Individuals with close family relations with an active or non-active AfDB staff member, such as a mother, father, sister or brother

Applicants should review the complete official vacancy carefully before submitting an application.

Fellowship Duration

The fellowship will run for one year, or up to 12 months.

The AfDB states that the contract is for one year and is not renewable.

The fellowship is therefore a defined professional development assignment rather than an open-ended employment position.

Fellowship Stipend and Financial Support

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s current fellowship information states that Ibrahim Fellows receive a stipend of US$100,000 for the fellowship period. The Foundation describes the program as a 12-month fellowship and states that each year three Fellows have opportunities to work at participating host institutions.

For the AfDB-hosted position, the Bank’s vacancy states that the Fellow will receive an annual stipend paid monthly by the Bank from funds provided by the Foundation.

The fellowship also provides specific support related to travel and other arrangements.

According to the AfDB vacancy:

• The Fellow’s official mission travel expenses are covered by the Bank.
• Travel insurance associated with official mission travel is covered by the Bank.
• Travel and shipping costs associated with taking up the appointment are funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
• Travel and shipping costs associated with repatriation at the end of the fellowship are also funded by the Foundation.
• The Foundation will ensure that arrangements are made for the Fellow’s medical insurance, child education and retirement needs.

Applicants should distinguish these benefits from those available to regular AfDB staff because the Ibrahim Fellow is not considered a regular Bank employee.

What Will the Ibrahim Fellow Do?

The successful candidate will contribute to strategic work within the African Development Bank.

The main responsibilities include the following.

1. Develop Innovative Approaches to Strategic Issues

The Fellow will design, develop and help implement innovative approaches to strategic issues relevant to the Bank’s mission and objectives.

The work is expected to draw on international best practices and contribute to addressing important development challenges.

2. Conduct Research and Analysis

The Fellow will undertake research and analysis of existing and emerging strategy, programme and policy areas relevant to the Bank.

This may require the ability to examine evidence, interpret data, understand development trends and translate research into useful policy or strategic recommendations.

3. Monitor Bank Initiatives and Prepare Briefs

The Fellow will assist with monitoring and analysing the implementation of Bank Group initiatives and the Bank’s regular work programme.

The role also includes preparing:

• Briefs
• Memoranda
• Analytical documents
• Other strategic documentation

An important part of this responsibility is communicating the likely impact of initiatives in language that is understandable to non-technical audiences.

4. Participate in High-Level Discussions

The Fellow will participate in high-level discussions and contribute to preparations for the President’s meetings and missions.

This can provide direct exposure to senior-level institutional processes and strategic decision-making.

5. Undertake Other Strategic Assignments

The Fellow may also be assigned other responsibilities by relevant senior staff within the President’s Office.

This means applicants should be prepared for a dynamic role that may involve different strategic assignments during the fellowship period.

Professional Development Opportunities

The fellowship provides a practical environment for developing both technical and leadership capabilities.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation states that Fellows develop technical and leadership skills while contributing directly to research and policy design. Fellows can also become members of the Now Generation Network, through which they can continue contributing their skills and insights to African development after the fellowship.

For a professional interested in African development, the experience can provide exposure to areas such as:

• Development policy
• International development
• Economic strategy
• Development finance
• Institutional leadership
• Policy analysis
• Strategic planning
• Multilateral cooperation
• African economic transformation
• High-level stakeholder engagement

The program’s structure also places the Fellow close to senior institutional leadership, making it different from a conventional academic fellowship or entry-level internship.

Important Note About Employment at the African Development Bank

Applicants should understand that selection for the fellowship does not constitute permanent employment with the African Development Bank.

The AfDB explicitly states that the Fellow is not a regular employee of the Bank and is not given a right to employment with the Bank.

There is also no presumption that the Fellow will be hired by the Bank after completing the fellowship.

In addition, the vacancy states that the Fellow will not be eligible for recruitment as an AfDB staff member for one year following the termination or expiry of the fellowship, whichever occurs first.

This is an important distinction for applicants who may otherwise assume that the fellowship is an alternative route into permanent AfDB employment.

What Documents Are Required?

Applicants should prepare their application materials carefully before beginning the online application.

The African Development Bank requires applicants to submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae containing information including:

• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Academic qualifications
• Relevant professional experience
• Other information demonstrating suitability for the fellowship

Applicants must also attach:

1. Academic transcripts
2. Three letters of recommendation

The CV should clearly demonstrate how the applicant’s professional experience aligns with the fellowship’s requirements and the Bank’s priority areas.

Learn More HERE

How the Selection Process Works

The selection process involves several stages.

According to the AfDB:

Stage 1: Initial Human Resources Review

The Bank’s Human Resources Department will conduct an initial review of applications.

Stage 2: Shortlisting

Human Resources will develop a shortlist of 10 applicant files.

Stage 3: Mo Ibrahim Foundation Review

The shortlisted files will then be reviewed by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

Stage 4: Final Shortlist

A shortlist of three candidates will be presented to the President of the African Development Bank or the President’s designate.

Stage 5: Final Selection

The final candidate will be selected from the shortlisted candidates.

Only applicants who fully meet the Bank’s requirements and are considered for further assessment or interview will be contacted.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program at the African Development Bank is 20 November 2026.

Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their applications, particularly because the application requires several supporting documents, including academic transcripts and three recommendation letters.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the African Development Bank’s official vacancy system.

Official application page:

Apply for the 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship at the African Development Bank

Applicants should carefully review the vacancy requirements and ensure that all required documents are attached before submitting the application. The official vacancy confirms that applications must be submitted online by 20 November 2026.

For additional information about the broader Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship programme, applicants can consult the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s fellowship page:

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowships

Application Preparation Tips

Applicants can take several practical steps to strengthen the clarity and completeness of their applications.

1. Tailor Your CV to the Fellowship

Do not submit a generic CV if it does not clearly demonstrate your relevance to the Bank’s work.

Highlight professional experience involving:

• Development policy
• Finance
• Economics
• Strategy
• Project management
• Leadership
• Research
• Policy formulation
• Data analysis
• Infrastructure
• Climate-related development
• Natural resources
• Financial systems
• Economic development

2. Demonstrate Results, Not Just Responsibilities

Where possible, describe what you achieved in previous positions.

Instead of simply stating that you “managed projects,” explain the nature of the projects, your responsibilities, the stakeholders involved and the results achieved.

This can help demonstrate the leadership, strategic planning and execution competencies required by the Bank.

3. Connect Your Experience to the Four Cardinal Points

The 2027 fellowship has clearly identified four priority areas.

Applicants should therefore understand the relationship between their professional experience and:

• Development finance and resource mobilization
• Financial architecture
• Demographic dividend and economic growth
• Climate-resilient infrastructure and natural-resource value addition

4. Prepare Your Recommendation Letters Early

Three recommendation letters are required.

Because obtaining recommendation letters can take time, applicants should approach potential referees well before the deadline and provide them with relevant information about the fellowship.

5. Prepare Your Academic Transcripts

The application requires academic transcripts.

Applicants should make sure their transcripts are accessible and ready to upload before beginning the final application process.

6. Demonstrate Leadership Clearly

Leadership does not necessarily mean having held a senior executive title.

Applicants can demonstrate leadership through strategic projects, team management, policy initiatives, stakeholder coordination, organizational change, programme implementation and other situations where they were responsible for achieving important outcomes.

7. Highlight Analytical Experience

The Bank specifically emphasizes strong analytical skills and the ability to analyse and interpret financial and other data.

Applicants should therefore make their analytical experience visible rather than leaving it implicit.

Important AfDB Application and Fraud Warning

Applicants should be cautious of fraudulent recruitment communications.

The African Development Bank states that it does not request payments from applicants during the recruitment process, including application, CV review, interviews or final processing.

The Bank also states that it does not request applicants’ bank account information as part of its recruitment process.

Applicants should therefore use official African Development Bank channels when applying and should be cautious about third parties claiming to represent the Bank or requesting money in exchange for recruitment assistance.

Nationality and Dual Nationality Note

The vacancy contains an important nationality requirement.

The Bank states that it does not accept dual nationality and requires applicants to declare the nationality under which they would be considered.

Applicants are also instructed to provide supporting government-issued identification documents such as a passport, national identity card or certificate.

Applicants with questions about their nationality status should carefully review the official AfDB requirements before submitting an application.

Why This Opportunity Matters for African Professionals

The 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship combines professional experience with leadership development in an African multilateral institution.

Instead of limiting participants to classroom-based learning, the program places the selected Fellow within the working environment of the African Development Bank.

The Fellow will participate in strategic assignments, undertake research and analysis, contribute to high-level discussions, prepare policy and strategic documentation and work under the guidance of senior Bank officials.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s broader fellowship programme is intended to help build a pipeline of African leaders who can contribute to governance and development.

For professionals with substantial experience in development policy, finance, economics, strategy, project management, private-sector development or related areas, the fellowship provides an opportunity to deepen their understanding of how major development institutions operate while contributing to issues affecting Africa’s economic and social development.

Key Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Opportunity	2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program
Host Institution	African Development Bank
Funding Organization	Mo Ibrahim Foundation
Location	Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Duration	Up to 12 months
Stipend	Mo Ibrahim Foundation states US$100,000 for the fellowship
Target Applicants	Young professionals, mid-career professionals and new executives
Nationality	African nationals
Minimum Education	Master’s degree
Minimum Experience	7 years of relevant experience
General Age Limit	40 years
Age Limit for Women with Children	45 years
Application Documents	CV, academic transcripts and three recommendation letters
Application Method	Online
Application Deadline	20 November 2026
Permanent Employment	Not guaranteed; fellowship is not regular AfDB employment

The stipend information above reflects the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s current general fellowship description, while the AfDB vacancy specifies that the Fellow will receive an annual stipend paid monthly from Foundation-provided funds.

Visit HERE and HERE to learn more about the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship at the African Development Bank.

Conclusion

The 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship at the African Development Bank is a 12-month professional leadership opportunity designed for experienced African professionals who want to deepen their expertise in development policy, strategy, finance and institutional leadership.

The opportunity is particularly focused on four major areas for the 2027 cycle: mobilizing resources for Africa’s development, reforming the continent’s financial architecture, harnessing the demographic dividend for economic growth, and developing climate-resilient infrastructure and value addition to natural resources.

Eligible applicants must be African nationals, hold at least a Master’s degree, have a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience and demonstrate leadership, strategic planning, policy, project management, analytical and communication capabilities. Government officials, active military personnel, political party leaders and certain current or former AfDB staff members are excluded under the stated requirements.

The fellowship will be based at the African Development Bank in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and will last for up to 12 months. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation states that its Ibrahim Fellows receive a US$100,000 stipend, while the AfDB vacancy outlines additional arrangements concerning official mission travel, insurance, assumption-of-duty travel and repatriation.

Interested professionals should begin preparing their CV, academic transcripts and three recommendation letters well before the closing date.

Application deadline: 20 November 2026.

Applicants should consult the official African Development Bank vacancy for the complete requirements and submit their application through the Bank’s official online recruitment system.

Official African Development Bank Application Page

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