The World Bank Group (WBG), through its Africa Region office, is proud to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Africa Fellowship Program. This prestigious and fully funded fellowship is aimed at Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa. It is an exceptional opportunity for African scholars to gain professional experience within one of the world’s most influential international development institutions.
With a strong commitment to developing future leaders and policy influencers, the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program has become a vital pipeline for high-potential young African professionals seeking to advance their careers in global development, public policy, economic research, and other related fields.
This fellowship provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be embedded at the heart of development practice, engaging in real-world projects that directly contribute to addressing poverty and advancing prosperity across developing countries.
About the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program
The Africa Fellowship Program was established to identify and nurture the next generation of African change-makers. It is designed to enhance capacity in development research and policy-making by placing talented individuals in the dynamic, mission-driven environment of the WBG.
Fellows will work at the WBG headquarters in Washington, D.C. or at one of the WBG’s country offices across the globe. The placement lasts for six months and runs from January to June 2026.
During the fellowship, participants will collaborate with experienced economists, development experts, and policy specialists. They will contribute to ongoing research, policy design, technical assistance, and lending operations across various development sectors. This includes areas such as education, public health, infrastructure, agriculture, climate change, governance, digital development, and financial inclusion, among others.
This immersive experience enables fellows to develop critical professional skills, build global networks, and gain insights into international development operations that few other opportunities can provide.
Program Objectives
The Africa Fellowship Program is designed with several key objectives:
- To provide African Ph.D. candidates and recent graduates with valuable work experience in development operations and policy formulation.
- To enhance the practical knowledge of African scholars in applying research and data analysis to real-world economic and social issues.
- To build a pipeline of future African leaders, researchers, and practitioners in development policy, particularly for roles within the WBG, African governments, research institutions, and academia.
- To promote inclusive development by encouraging the participation of women and underrepresented groups in global development careers.
Fellowship Structure and Activities
Selected fellows will be assigned to units that align with their areas of expertise and academic background. During the six-month fellowship, participants will:
- Contribute to WBG research projects in areas relevant to Africa’s development priorities.
- Participate in the design and implementation of policy reform initiatives.
- Support data collection and analysis activities for technical assistance and lending operations.
- Engage in discussions on macroeconomic, sectoral, and institutional challenges facing Africa.
- Collaborate with international experts and contribute to policy dialogue with governments and development partners.
- Attend professional development sessions, seminars, and workshops organized by the WBG and partner institutions.
This hands-on approach ensures that fellows are not merely observers but active contributors to the WBG’s mission to eliminate extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity.
Fellowship Benefits
The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program offers several generous benefits to ensure that selected fellows are fully supported throughout their engagement. The program is fully funded and includes:
- A six-month work placement at either WBG headquarters in Washington, D.C., or a designated country office.
- Coverage of travel and accommodation expenses.
- A competitive monthly stipend to cover living expenses during the fellowship.
- Access to mentoring, training sessions, and networking opportunities with WBG staff and development professionals.
- Exposure to leading global development practices, tools, and policy debates.
- An opportunity to contribute directly to Africa-focused projects and research initiatives.
Fellows will emerge from the program with enhanced technical knowledge, practical experience, and a robust professional network that can support their future career aspirations in both public and international sectors.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2026 WBG Africa Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Academic Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled in the final year of their Ph.D. program or have completed a Ph.D. within the past three years (not earlier than 2022).
- Nationality: Candidates must be nationals of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must have excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken.
- Age Limit: Candidates must be under 32 years of age as of the application deadline (August 25, 2025).
- Skills: Applicants should possess strong quantitative and analytical skills. A track record of academic excellence and experience in conducting empirical research will be an added advantage.
The fellowship is open to individuals with backgrounds relevant to the WBG’s work. These include, but are not limited to:
- Economics
- Finance
- Education
- Public Health
- Agriculture
- Climate and Environmental Sciences
- Infrastructure
- Governance
- Public Policy
- Social Protection
- Digital Development
Women Encouraged to Apply
The WBG strongly encourages women to apply for the Africa Fellowship Program. The institution is committed to increasing gender diversity in international development and recognizes the unique perspectives women bring to research, policy, and operations. Female candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are especially encouraged to submit applications.
Application Timeline and Process
The application process for the 2026 cohort is now open and will close on August 25, 2025. Prospective applicants should begin preparing their documentation well in advance to ensure timely submission.
Required Documents
Applicants will typically be required to provide the following:
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- A brief research proposal or statement of interest highlighting their academic work and its relevance to the WBG’s mission
- A writing sample or recent academic paper
- Proof of Ph.D. enrollment or certificate of completion
- Two letters of recommendation (preferably from academic advisors or supervisors)
Please ensure that all documents are submitted through the official application portal. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
The selection process is highly competitive. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of WBG experts and researchers. The evaluation will focus on:
- Academic performance and the quality of research
- Relevance of the applicant’s area of expertise to the WBG’s work
- Demonstrated commitment to development and public service
- Potential to contribute to development policy and research in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Diversity considerations, including gender and regional representation
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or asked to provide additional information before final selections are made.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I choose whether I am placed in Washington, D.C. or in a country office?
Placement depends on the needs of the World Bank’s operational units and the fellows’ area of specialization. While preferences may be considered, final placement is determined by the WBG.
Will I be considered for employment after the fellowship ends?
The fellowship does not guarantee employment. However, many alumni of the Africa Fellowship Program have gone on to secure roles within the WBG, national governments, international organizations, and academia. The fellowship provides a strong foundation for professional advancement.
Do I need to have a background specifically in economics?
Not necessarily. While economics is a core area, the fellowship is open to candidates from a range of disciplines relevant to the WBG’s work.
Is the fellowship limited to English-speaking countries?
No. Applicants from all Sub-Saharan African countries are welcome, provided they meet the eligibility criteria, including fluency in English.
What if I graduate after the deadline but before the start of the fellowship?
You must have completed your Ph.D. by the time the fellowship begins in January 2026. If you are scheduled to defend your dissertation before that date, you may still apply.
Final Thoughts
The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026 represents an unparalleled opportunity for emerging African scholars to engage with global development at the highest level. It is more than just a fellowship; it is an investment in the future of Africa’s intellectual and leadership capacity. Through this immersive and enriching program, fellows will not only contribute to the development of their countries but also shape the policies and research that impact millions of lives around the world.
For inquiries and support, interested candidates may reach out to:
- Phone: +2349098044444
- Email: [email protected]
The deadline to apply is August 25, 2025. Be sure to submit your complete application before the closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged to avoid last-minute complications.
