Deadline
2025-08-25
Value of Scholarship
Full Scholarship
Country Tenable
United States
Renewable
No
Now Open: 2026 World Bank Africa Fellowship Program (Fully Funded)
The Africa Region of the World Bank Group (WBG) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 World Bank Africa Fellowship Program. This fully funded opportunity is designed to strengthen the capacity of Africa’s next generation of development leaders by equipping them with research, policy, and operational experience.
About the Fellowship
The World Bank Africa Fellowship targets young, talented African nationals who are completing or have recently completed their Ph.D. studies in fields aligned with the World Bank’s mission. The goal is to nurture a strong pipeline of future development experts for roles in:
- International organizations
- African governments
- Think tanks
- Academic institutions
Since its launch, the program has been highly successful in placing African Ph.D. talent at the forefront of global development work.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will:
- Undertake a six-month in-person assignment at World Bank offices in Washington, D.C. or a WBG country office
- Gain hands-on experience in research, policy development, technical assistance, and lending operations
- Receive consultant fees and round-trip economy-class airfare
Fellowship Duration:
January – June 2026 (Fellows must be available for the full period)
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2026 WBG Africa Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be a Ph.D. student in the final year, or have completed their Ph.D. within the last 3 years
- Be under the age of 32 by the application deadline
- Have strong quantitative and analytical skills
- Possess excellent written and spoken English
Preferred Attributes (Not Mandatory)
Applicants with any of the following backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Proficiency in an additional World Bank official language (e.g., French, Spanish, Arabic)
- Nationals from fragile and conflict-affected states
- Experience with forced displacement or identity as a refugee or internally displaced person
Selection Process
Phase 1:
A shortlist of qualified candidates will be shared with various World Bank units based on field of expertise. All applicants will be notified of their shortlisting status.
Phase 2:
Final fellows will be selected in consultation with relevant World Bank departments. Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the final decision once selections are complete.
How to Apply for the World Bank Africa Fellowship 2026
- Click the LINK below to access the official fellowship webpage.
- Proceed to the application portal via the provided link.
- Fill out and submit your application before the deadline.
For more information and to begin your application, visit the World Bank Africa Fellowship webpage.
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