The World Bank African Fellowship Program 2026 is now open for applications and it might just be the game-changer your academic and professional journey needs!
Application Deadline: August 25, 2025
Program Duration: January – June 2026
Location: Washington D.C. or any WBG Country Office
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About World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program?
The World Bank African Fellowship Program is a flagship initiative aimed at developing the next generation of African thought leaders in development policy, research, and operations. It offers a unique six-month placement at the World Bank Group (WBG) headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at one of its country offices across the globe.
The fellowship provides Sub-Saharan African nationals especially women with experiences in WBG’s strategic operations. This includes working on research, technical assistance, policy formulation, and lending programs that directly tackle poverty and promote shared prosperity.
Overview of WBG Africa Fellowship Program
Successful applicants for the world Bank African fellowship program 2026 rounds, will:
- Work directly with World Bank experts on ongoing projects.
- Engage in real-time economic policy development, research, and lending operations.
- Contribute to solving pressing developmental issues across Africa.
- Get direct exposure to international development work in a multicultural and intellectually stimulating environment.
- Receive consultant-level compensation and round-trip airfare.
Who Can Apply for the World Bank African Fellowship Program?
The World Bank Africa Fellowship Program 2026 is designed for young, talented Ph.D. candidates or recent Ph.D. holders (within the last 3 years) from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country (Nigerians and other West Africans are eligible to apply)
- Must be enrolled in the final year of a Ph.D. program or have completed a Ph.D. within the last 3 years.
- Must be under 32 years of age by the application deadline.
- Must possess strong analytical and quantitative skills.
- Must have excellent English communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
Selection Process for the World Bank African Fellowship Program 2026
Phase 1: Initial Shortlisting
- A shortlist of qualified candidates will be created and matched with different departments and teams at the World Bank based on specialization and career interests.
Phase 2: Final Selection
- WBG units will review shortlisted profiles and select the final batch of fellows. Selected candidates will be notified and onboarded as short-term consultants for the January–June 2026 cohort.
Roles of successful applicants
Once selected, fellows will:
- Participate in WBG operations aligned with global and country-level policy development.
- Assist in the design of strategies for inclusive growth and institutional reform.
- Work on knowledge generation, technical research, and data-driven development frameworks.
- Contribute to global dialogue on poverty eradication and sustainable development.
Benefits of the World Bank African Fellowship Program 2026
- 6-month paid consultancy placement
- Round-trip economy-class air travel to Washington, D.C., or a WBG country office
- Global networking and mentorship opportunities
- Access to policy influencers and top development researchers
Important Dates
- Application Opens: July 1, 2025
- Application Closes: August 25, 2025
- Program Duration: January – June 2026
Interested in the World Bank African Fellowship Program 2026?
Click here to apply now
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