2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship

Programme: Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship
Organiser: Mo Ibrahim Foundation
Participating Institutions: African Development Bank (AfDB), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and International Trade Centre (ITC)
Programme Duration: 12 months
Annual Stipend: US$100,000
Eligible Applicants: Nationals of African countries
Study/Professional Level: Experienced professionals, mid-career professionals, and emerging executives
Application Deadline: November 20, 2026
Application Status: Open
Official Website: Mo Ibrahim Foundation

About the Mo Ibrahim Foundation

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is an African organisation established in 2006 to support good governance, effective leadership, and sustainable development across the African continent.

The Foundation works to encourage public debate on governance, provide citizens and governments with tools to measure progress, recognise outstanding African leadership, and support the development of future leaders.

Through its programmes and initiatives, the Foundation seeks to strengthen leadership capacity and contribute to Africa’s long-term social, political, and economic development.

One of its major initiatives is the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship, established in 2011 to identify and support talented African professionals with the potential to become influential leaders.

About the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship

Applications are open for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships. The programme provides selected African professionals with an opportunity to gain first-hand experience working within the executive offices of prominent regional and international institutions.

Each year, three fellows are selected to undertake 12-month professional placements at the following institutions:

1. African Development Bank Group (AfDB) – Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
2. United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
3. International Trade Centre (ITC) – Geneva, Switzerland.

The programme combines professional experience with exposure to institutional leadership, policy development, strategic planning, and international cooperation.

Fellows work on research, policy, and strategic assignments while receiving direct mentorship from senior leaders within their respective host institutions.

The programme is designed to help participants strengthen their technical and leadership abilities, expand their professional networks, and develop the experience needed to contribute to Africa’s governance and development.

After completing the fellowship, participants also become members of the Foundation’s Now Generation Network (NGN), a community of young African leaders connected through the Foundation’s programmes.

Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship provides selected candidates with substantial financial and professional support throughout the 12-month programme.

The main benefits include:

1. Annual Stipend of US$100,000

Fellows receive an annual stipend of US$100,000 during the programme. The stipend is paid monthly through the host institution.

2. High-Level Professional Experience

Participants work within the executive offices of leading African and international institutions, gaining practical experience in policy, strategy, development, and institutional leadership.

3. Direct Mentorship

Fellows receive guidance and mentorship from senior institutional leaders, providing exposure to executive decision-making and leadership responsibilities.

4. Professional Development

The programme offers opportunities to strengthen technical knowledge, strategic thinking, analytical abilities, communication, and leadership skills.

5. International Professional Networks

Participants interact with senior officials, development professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders working on issues affecting Africa and the wider international community.

6. Membership in the Now Generation Network

Upon completing the fellowship, participants join the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s Now Generation Network, connecting them with other emerging African leaders.

Additional financial arrangements: For the African Development Bank placement, the official vacancy announcement states that the Foundation will arrange medical insurance, child education, and retirement plan provisions. Official mission travel expenses, including travel insurance, are covered by the Bank. Travel and shipping costs associated with taking up the appointment and repatriation are financed by the Foundation.

Applicants should review the individual host institution’s terms for the placement they are applying to.

Participating Institutions and Fellowship Placements

The 2027 fellowship programme offers three institutional placements.

1. African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The African Development Bank placement provides an opportunity to work closely with senior leadership at one of Africa’s leading multilateral development institutions.

The fellow will contribute to strategic assignments, development policy research, institutional initiatives, and activities connected to the Bank’s mission.

For the 2027 selection, the Bank has identified four priority areas:

• Mobilising resources on a large scale to finance Africa’s development.
• Reforming Africa’s financial architecture.
• Harnessing the demographic dividend to drive economic growth.
• Building climate-resilient infrastructure and strengthening value addition to natural resources.

The Bank is particularly interested in candidates with strong private-sector professional experience, analytical abilities, development policy knowledge, and the capacity to work with development models.

2. United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The UNECA placement provides fellows with exposure to regional economic development, policy research, and development initiatives across Africa.

Participants gain experience working within a major United Nations regional institution and contribute to activities connected to its development mandate.

Applicants interested in this placement should consult the official UNECA recruitment information for its specific duties, selection requirements, and application instructions.

3. International Trade Centre (ITC)

Location: Geneva, Switzerland.

The International Trade Centre placement focuses on international trade, inclusive development, and opportunities to strengthen the participation of developing countries in global markets.

The fellowship provides exposure to institutional leadership, trade policy, and development initiatives.

Interested applicants should review the ITC’s official vacancy information for placement-specific requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship is intended for experienced African professionals with demonstrated leadership potential and a strong interest in contributing to the continent’s development.

The general eligibility requirements published by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation include:

• Applicants must be nationals of an African country.
• Candidates must have at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Applicants must hold a master’s degree.
• Candidates must be under 40 years of age, or under 45 years for women with children.
• Applicants must meet any additional eligibility conditions established by their selected host institution.

Additional Requirements for the African Development Bank Placement

The 2027 AfDB vacancy provides further eligibility and selection requirements.

Applicants must:

1. Be nationals of African countries, regardless of their current country of residence.
2. Not be current, former, retired, or separated staff members of the African Development Bank.
3. Not have close family relationships with current or non-active Bank staff members, including parents or siblings.
4. Not be government officials, active military personnel, or political party leaders.
5. Meet the specified age limits: 40 years for men and women, or 45 years for women with children.
6. Hold at least a master’s degree from a recognised institution.
7. Have relevant academic qualifications in banking, business, economics, social sciences, finance, international development, or another discipline relevant to the Bank’s work.
8. Have at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
9. Demonstrate leadership, communication, and teamwork abilities.
10. Have experience in strategic planning, project management, and programme implementation.
11. Demonstrate experience in policy formulation and the development and implementation of strategies and procedures.
12. Possess strong analytical abilities, including the capacity to interpret financial and other data.
13. Demonstrate excellent written and oral presentation skills.
14. Be able to communicate effectively with government officials and diverse stakeholders.
15. Demonstrate the ability to motivate teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

The AfDB also states that applicants must not hold close family relationships with its staff members. Candidates should review the complete vacancy announcement to understand all restrictions before applying.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must have a minimum of a master’s degree from a recognised institution.

For the African Development Bank placement, relevant academic disciplines include:

• Banking.
• Business administration.
• Economics.
• Social sciences.
• Finance.
• International development.
• Other academic disciplines relevant to the Bank’s operations.

A strong academic background should be supported by demonstrable professional experience and the ability to apply knowledge to development challenges.

Professional Experience and Skills

The programme targets young professionals, mid-career professionals, and new executives who have already developed substantial professional experience.

Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and consultation skills.
• Experience in strategic planning and project execution.
• Knowledge of development policy and institutional strategy.
• Research and analytical abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Experience working with different stakeholders.
• The ability to interpret financial and other information.
• Effective team management and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to handle several assignments and responsibilities simultaneously.

For the African Development Bank placement, strong private-sector experience and the ability to analyse development strategies are particularly relevant to the 2027 selection priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities of the African Development Bank Fellow

The selected fellow at the African Development Bank will work under the guidance of senior Bank officials, including the President, Managing Directors, the Chief of Staff, the Director of Cabinet, or their designated representatives.

The main responsibilities include:

1. Strategic Development

Design, develop, and support the implementation of innovative approaches to strategic issues relevant to the Bank’s mission and objectives, drawing on international best practices.

2. Research and Policy Analysis

Conduct research and analyse existing and emerging strategies, programmes, and policy areas relevant to the Bank’s activities.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation Support

Assist in monitoring and analysing the implementation of Bank Group initiatives and regular work programmes.

4. Preparation of Reports and Briefings

Prepare briefs, memoranda, and other documents that communicate the potential impact of institutional initiatives in clear, accessible language.

5. Executive-Level Engagement

Participate in high-level discussions and assist with preparing meetings and official missions involving the President of the Bank.

6. Additional Assignments

Undertake other responsibilities assigned by relevant senior officials in the President’s Office.

Fellowship Duration and Contract Arrangements

The fellowship lasts for a maximum period of 12 months.

For the African Development Bank placement, the selected fellow will sign a contract with the Bank before beginning the assignment.

The fellowship is not a regular employment position at the Bank. Completion of the programme does not guarantee future employment.

The AfDB announcement also states that the fellow will not be eligible for recruitment as a regular Bank staff member for one year following the end of the fellowship, subject to the stated contract terms.

The 2027 AfDB appointment is for one year and is non-renewable.

Required Application Documents

For the African Development Bank placement, applicants must submit an online application accompanied by the following documents:

• A comprehensive and updated curriculum vitae (CV).
• Date of birth and nationality information.
• Details of academic qualifications and professional experience.
• Copies of academic transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation.

The CV should clearly present the applicant’s education, professional background, relevant experience, and leadership achievements.

Applicants should ensure that all required supporting documents are included before submitting their applications.

How to Apply for the 2027 Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship

Applications for the 2027 programme are submitted through the relevant host institution’s official recruitment platform.

There are three placement opportunities, and applicants should consult the specific application instructions for their preferred institution.

African Development Bank (AfDB)

Candidates interested in the Abidjan placement should apply through the Bank’s official vacancy announcement.

Official application page:
https://www.afdb.org/en/vacancy/2027-mo-ibrahim-foundation-leadership-fellowship-program-96407

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

Applicants should visit the official Mo Ibrahim Foundation fellowship page and follow the UNECA application instructions.

International Trade Centre (ITC)

Candidates interested in the Geneva placement should consult the Foundation’s fellowship page for the official ITC vacancy and application details.

Official programme information:
https://mo.ibrahim.foundation/fellowships

Selection Process

For the African Development Bank placement, applications will undergo an initial review by the Bank’s Human Resources Department.

The selection process includes:

1. Initial assessment of submitted applications against the Bank’s eligibility and professional requirements.
2. Preparation of a shortlist of approximately ten applicant files.
3. Further review of shortlisted applications by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
4. Presentation of three shortlisted candidates to the President of the Bank or a designated representative for the final selection.

Only applicants who meet the requirements and are selected for further assessment or interview will be contacted.

The African Development Bank strongly encourages applications from qualified female candidates.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship are open until:

November 20, 2026.

The deadline is confirmed in the Foundation’s announcement and the African Development Bank’s 2027 vacancy notice.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early and ensure that all required documents are uploaded before the deadline.

Important Information for Applicants

• The fellowship is intended for nationals of African countries.
• Applicants may reside anywhere in the world.
• A master’s degree and at least seven years of relevant professional experience are required.
• The programme lasts 12 months.
• The annual stipend is US$100,000.
• Host institutions have additional selection requirements.
• The African Development Bank placement is not a regular staff employment position.
• Applicants should use the official recruitment websites and avoid third-party application payment requests.

The African Development Bank states that it does not charge applicants any fees during recruitment, CV review, interviews, or employment processing.

Official Fellowship Links

Mo Ibrahim Foundation – Main Fellowship Information:
https://mo.ibrahim.foundation/fellowships

African Development Bank – 2027 Fellowship Application:
https://www.afdb.org/en/vacancy/2027-mo-ibrahim-foundation-leadership-fellowship-program-96407

Application Deadline: November 20, 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation and participating host institutions are responsible for the fellowship programme, eligibility decisions, selection process, and final application requirements. Applicants should consult the relevant official institutional vacancy page before applying. Fellowship conditions may differ between host institutions.