2027 Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship at AfDB: Eligibility & How to Apply

Applications are open for the 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship at the African Development Bank (AfDB). The one-year placement is based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and gives an experienced African professional the opportunity to contribute to strategic work in a major regional development institution.

The fellow will support research, policy and strategy work, monitor initiatives, prepare briefs and assist with senior-level meetings and missions. The placement is funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and is not a regular AfDB staff job.

About the 2027 Mo Ibrahim Fellowship at AfDB

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship Programme prepares emerging African leaders through hands-on work and mentorship in prominent African institutions. The Foundation’s programme overview says three fellows are hosted each year by the AfDB in Abidjan, the UN Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, and the International Trade Centre in Geneva. This listing covers the AfDB placement only.

The AfDB fellow works with guidance from the Bank’s President, Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff and Director of Cabinet, or a designated representative. The assignment can last up to 12 months.

What the fellow will do

The selected candidate will contribute to work connected to the Bank’s priorities and mandate. Responsibilities include:

• Designing and helping implement approaches to strategic issues relevant to the Bank.
• Researching and analysing current or emerging strategy, programme and policy areas.
• Monitoring Bank Group initiatives and preparing briefs, memos and accessible documentation.
• Supporting preparation for the President’s meetings and missions and joining high-level discussions.
• Taking on other duties assigned by senior staff in the President’s office.

The vacancy highlights AfDB’s Four Cardinal Points: mobilising development finance, reforming Africa’s financial architecture, harnessing the demographic dividend, and building climate-resilient infrastructure with greater value addition to natural resources.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must meet the AfDB requirements. The main criteria are:

• Be a national of an African country; candidates may reside anywhere in the world.
• Be no older than 40. Women with children may be up to 45.
• Hold a master’s degree from a recognised institution in banking, business, economics, social sciences, finance, international development or another field relevant to AfDB’s work.
• Have at least seven years of work experience relevant to the Bank’s activities.
• Show strong professional experience, especially in the private sector, and analytical ability in development policy, strategy and development modelling.
• Demonstrate leadership, communication and consultation skills; experience in strategic planning, project management, policy formulation, implementation and analysis of financial or other data is also required.

Current, former, retired or separated AfDB staff members are ineligible. Candidates with close family relations to an active or non-active AfDB staff member are also ineligible. Government officials, active military personnel and political party leaders cannot apply.

Fellowship terms and benefits

The assignment is a one-year, non-renewable contract. The fellow receives an annual stipend paid monthly from funds provided by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The AfDB vacancy does not state the stipend amount.

Official mission travel costs, including travel insurance, are covered by the Bank. The Foundation provides for the fellow’s medical insurance, child education and retirement arrangements, and covers travel and shipping costs for taking up duty and repatriation. The fellow is not an AfDB regular employee, is not promised a job after the placement, and is not eligible for AfDB staff recruitment for one year after the fellowship ends or the 12-month term expires, whichever comes first.

Documents to prepare

Submit the online application with all required documents. Prepare:

• A comprehensive CV stating date of birth, nationality, education and relevant work experience.
• Copies of academic transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. AfDB says it does not charge applicants at any stage of recruitment and does not request bank-account details.

Application deadline and how to apply

Deadline: 20 November 2026. The official listing gives the closing date but does not specify a closing time. Apply online and submit the required CV, transcripts and recommendation letters before the deadline.

View the AfDB vacancy and apply ↗

Explore the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship programme

Applications to the other 2027 host institutions follow their own separate listings and processes.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a regular AfDB staff job?

No. It is a non-renewable fellowship contract of up to one year and does not guarantee future employment at AfDB.

Can applicants live outside Africa?

Yes. The vacancy requires African nationality and states that candidates may reside anywhere in the world.

What is the deadline?

The application deadline is 20 November 2026. The official listing does not state a closing time.

How many years of experience are required?

Applicants need at least seven years of relevant work experience.

Ready to apply? Review the eligibility rules and submit your application through the AfDB application page by 20 November 2026.