World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program, 2026

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Applications are now open for the 2027 World Bank Group (WBG) African Fellowship Programme for Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates from the Sub-Saharan African regions. Women are encouraged to apply. 
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Through the fellowship, we aim to build the capacity of the next generation of African scholars in development research, policymaking and promote the goals of reducing poverty in the region.  

Eligibility Criteria for World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program

To be considered, you must be a Ph.D. candidate or recent graduate (within three years of Ph.D. completion) from Sub-Saharan Africa. See full eligibility criteria below.

If accepted, you will:

• spend six months getting hands-on experience at WBG headquarters in Washington D.C. or a country office.
• work on research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations that contribute to the WBG’s goal of eliminating poverty and increasing shared prosperity.  

About the WBG Africa Fellowship Program

The program targets young talented African nationals who are completing or have recently completed their Ph.D. in an area relevant to the World Bank’s work. The fellowship program has been very successful since its inception in building a strong pipeline of young African talent interested in a career in development, in international institutions, African governments, think tanks, and academia.

The program offers selected fellows a six-month assignment at WBG offices in Washington, D.C. or in country offices to gain hands-on experience in WBG operations. This includes knowledge generation and dissemination, design of global and country policies, and the building of institutions to achieve inclusive growth in developing countries. While benefitting from research and innovation in multiple sectors, fellows will also work on research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations that contribute to the World Bank’s goal of eliminating poverty and increasing shared prosperity. 

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Eligibility Criteria for World Bank Group Africa Fellowship

• Be a recent Ph.D. graduate (within three years of completion) or be enrolled in the last year of the Ph.D. program.
• Have an excellent command of English, both written and verbal.
• Possess strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Be of the age of 32 or younger by January 1, 2027.

SELECTION PROCESS

Phase I: A short-list of candidates will be made available for selection to different units of the WBG depending on the applicants’ specialization. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

Phase II:

The final list of fellows will be selected in consultation with the various units of the WBG. When the selection is complete, all shortlisted candidates will be informed of their selection status. Selected candidates will then be notified and, upon acceptance, be hired as Extended Term Consultants (ETCs) for six months starting January 2027.

How to Apply for World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Programe

To apply for the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Programme, click the link below:

APPLY HERE.

Application Deadline 

Submit your entries on or before August 25, 2026.