The World Bank Group (WBG), through its Africa Region, is delighted to announce the commencement of applications for the 2026 Africa Fellowship Program. This prestigious, fully funded opportunity is designed for highly motivated and talented Sub-Saharan African nationals who are completing or have recently completed their Ph.D. studies in fields aligned with the World Bank’s work. The initiative seeks to develop a robust pipeline of future African leaders in development research, policy, and global economic transformation.
The fellowship offers an exceptional platform for young scholars to engage directly with development professionals at the WBG, allowing them to deepen their understanding of operational and analytical frameworks critical to inclusive growth and poverty reduction across Africa. With the program set to run from January to June 2026, successful candidates will spend six months working within WBG offices in Washington, D.C., or in regional country offices across the globe.
Women are particularly encouraged to apply, as the fellowship champions inclusivity and seeks to nurture a diverse generation of African professionals ready to tackle the region’s most pressing development challenges.
About the Program
Launched with the goal of empowering Africa’s most promising minds, the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program has established itself as a leading platform for young African scholars to contribute to and learn from the institution’s ongoing projects. Over the years, the fellowship has created significant career trajectories for its alumni, many of whom have advanced into influential roles in academia, think tanks, multilateral institutions, and African governments.
Participants in the 2026 program will be placed in various units across the WBG, including the Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC), the Africa Region Vice Presidency, and other operational departments. They will engage in a combination of rigorous research and applied development work, contributing to economic analysis, technical assistance, policy design, and project implementation.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work alongside some of the world’s leading development economists and practitioners on issues directly impacting Sub-Saharan Africa.
Fellowship Structure and Focus Areas
The 2026 WBG Africa Fellowship Program will run for six months, typically from January to June 2026. During this time, fellows will be embedded in the Bank’s operational teams or research units, depending on their academic background and interest. Key areas of involvement will include:
- Policy Research and Analysis
Fellows will work on applied development research related to poverty reduction, economic growth, human development, and environmental sustainability. This research will feed into policy papers, development reports, and technical notes intended to inform client governments and development partners. - Lending Operations and Project Support
Fellows will contribute to the design, preparation, and evaluation of lending projects, focusing on the economic rationale, risk assessments, and implementation monitoring processes. This practical experience equips participants with real-world skills applicable to development contexts. - Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
Assignments may include preparing training materials, conducting workshops, or supporting field missions to build the institutional capacity of partner governments and regional organizations. - Knowledge Generation and Dissemination
Fellows will be involved in producing working papers, blogs, policy briefs, and organizing seminars to share their findings and promote intellectual dialogue within and outside the Bank.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The fellowship is fully funded, providing a unique opportunity for early-career African scholars to gain hands-on experience in a leading global development institution. Key benefits include:
- Six-Month In-Person Assignment
Fellows will spend January to June 2026 at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at one of the country offices across Africa. This in-person requirement ensures maximum exposure to real-time development operations and global policymaking environments. - Engagement in Strategic Development Projects
Fellows will actively contribute to WBG’s mission of eliminating extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. Their work will have direct relevance to the African context and may inform the strategies and interventions of the WBG and its partners. - Professional Mentorship and Networking
Participants will receive mentorship from senior development professionals, economists, and technical experts. They will also join a vibrant alumni network of past fellows, opening doors to future collaboration and career opportunities. - Career Pathways in Development
The fellowship serves as a gateway to potential careers at the WBG or other global, regional, and national institutions involved in development, public policy, and research.
Eligibility Criteria
The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program is designed to attract Africa’s brightest and most committed scholars. To be considered for the 2026 cohort, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Status
- Must be enrolled in the final year of a Ph.D. program or have completed a Ph.D. within the past three years (i.e., no earlier than 2023).
- Nationality
- Must be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Age Limit
- Must be under the age of 32 by the application deadline of August 25, 2025.
- Language Proficiency
- Must possess excellent verbal and written command of English.
- Technical and Analytical Skills
- Must demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical capabilities, with the ability to conduct robust academic research and translate findings into practical development policy advice.
Preferred Academic and Research Fields
The fellowship is particularly suited to candidates whose academic research or professional interests align with the core priorities of the World Bank Group. Relevant fields of study include, but are not limited to:
- Development Economics
- Macroeconomics
- Public Finance
- Environmental Economics
- Education
- Public Health
- Agricultural Economics
- Infrastructure Policy
- Governance and Institutions
- Trade and Regional Integration
- Poverty and Inequality Studies
- Urban and Rural Development
- Data Science and Applied Statistics
Applicants whose research incorporates cross-disciplinary methods or policy relevance to African development challenges will receive special consideration.
Application and Selection Process
The application process for the WBG Africa Fellowship Program is competitive and merit-based. The selection committee seeks to identify individuals with strong academic credentials, a deep commitment to African development, and the potential to thrive in a rigorous international setting.
Step 1: Online Application
Interested candidates must submit their application online before the deadline of August 25, 2025. The application package will typically require:
- A current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A concise Statement of Research Interest (max 1,000 words)
- A sample of recent research (e.g., a working paper or dissertation chapter)
- Official or unofficial academic transcripts
- Contact information of two academic or professional referees
Step 2: Shortlisting
Shortlisted candidates will undergo further evaluation, which may include virtual interviews, reference checks, and assessments of their technical writing and research capabilities.
Step 3: Matching and Placement
Finalists will be matched with appropriate departments or teams within the WBG based on their academic background, skills, and interests. Fellows will be notified of their assignment details prior to the commencement of the program in January 2026.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The World Bank Group is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. The Africa Fellowship Program embraces diversity in all its forms and is committed to fostering a culturally inclusive and intellectually dynamic environment.
Transform Your Future in Development
If you are a passionate Ph.D. scholar from Sub-Saharan Africa looking to make a meaningful impact through research, policy, and development, the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program provides the ideal platform to translate your academic experience into real-world results. This fellowship not only accelerates personal and professional growth but also enables fellows to be part of a global effort to transform Africa’s future.
Fellows who successfully complete the program often proceed to roles within multilateral institutions, African public sector agencies, international research centers, and policy think tanks. The program is more than a six-month assignment—it is an investment in Africa’s future through the leadership of its youth.
Deadline to Apply: August 25, 2025
For additional inquiries or support, you may contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +2349098044444
To apply for the 2026 World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program:
