Apply Now: World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026 for Ph.D. Scholars from Sub-Saharan Africa

Apply now for the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026, a fully funded six-month fellowship tailored for Ph.D. students and recent graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa. This highly competitive program provides young African researchers and development professionals with the opportunity to contribute directly to development research, economic policy, and technical assistance projects within the World Bank Group. The fellowship takes place either in Washington, D.C., or at one of the World Bank’s country offices, offering unmatched exposure to real-world challenges and global development solutions.

Apply Now: World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026 for Ph.D. Scholars from Sub-Saharan Africa

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Background & Job Description

The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026 is now officially accepting applications. This initiative is part of the World Bank’s commitment to building a pipeline of talented African professionals equipped to lead policy, research, and development across the continent. Open to Ph.D. candidates and recent graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa, the fellowship targets individuals under the age of 32 who demonstrate a strong interest in development work and public policy.

Since its inception, the program has successfully placed dozens of young African scholars into strategic roles within the World Bank’s operational and research teams. Fellows are selected based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to development issues in Africa.

The fellowship aims to empower the next generation of African leaders by providing hands-on, practical experience with one of the world’s leading development institutions. Placements are set to begin in January 2026 and conclude in June 2026, lasting six months. All selected fellows are expected to attend their placement in person.

Whether hosted at the World Bank Group’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., or one of its field offices across the globe, fellows are deeply engaged in research, policy design, and development operations—all directly tied to the Bank’s dual mission of reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity.

This program not only enhances the fellows’ professional development but also creates a network of skilled African professionals who go on to lead in academia, government, and international institutions.

Tasks

Participants in the fellowship program will engage in a wide range of development-related assignments. These include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborating on cutting-edge research aligned with the World Bank’s development agenda

• Supporting economic policy analysis and advising on strategic reforms

• Contributing to the design, implementation, and evaluation of development projects

• Assisting with technical assistance programs and institutional capacity building

• Participating in global knowledge-sharing initiatives

• Analyzing data to inform country-level strategies and policy frameworks

• Writing reports, policy briefs, and contributing to academic and public publications

This comprehensive exposure allows fellows to understand development challenges at the macro and micro levels and to work within multidisciplinary teams comprising economists, social scientists, engineers, and other experts.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

To be eligible for the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in the final year of a Ph.D. program or have completed a Ph.D. within the last three years in disciplines such as:

  • Economics

  • Education

  • Health

  • Governance

  • Agriculture

  • Infrastructure

  • Climate policy

  • Natural resource management

  • Or related development fields

Experience

• Possess strong quantitative research and analytical skills

• Demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English

• Show a clear interest and past involvement in African development issues

• Be capable of working collaboratively in international teams

• Prior exposure to policymaking, international institutions, or development programs is a plus

Age Requirement

• All applicants must be under 32 years old at the time of the application deadline

The program highly encourages applications from female candidates, underlining the World Bank’s ongoing commitment to gender inclusion and representation in global development.

Additional Information

Selection Process

The selection process for the fellowship involves two main stages:

Phase 1: Shortlisting

• Applicants are initially evaluated based on academic qualifications, area of expertise, and relevance to World Bank priorities.

• Shortlisted candidates are matched with appropriate departments within the World Bank Group based on thematic needs and regional focus.

Phase 2: Final Interviews

• Shortlisted candidates are contacted by World Bank units for interviews and further discussions.

• Final selections are made following these consultations, and successful candidates are formally notified.

Fellowship Package and Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• A short-term consultancy contract for the full six-month fellowship period

• Monthly consultancy fees aligned with World Bank standards

• Round-trip economy-class airfare to their fellowship placement location (Washington, D.C. or a World Bank country office)

• Professional mentoring and access to the World Bank’s network of development experts and alumni

Application Timeline

• Opening Date: July 1, 2025

• Closing Date: August 25, 2025
  Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before the deadline.

Impact and Opportunities

The Africa Fellowship Program has a strong track record of nurturing leadership, analytical skills, and real-world development experience among emerging African scholars. Fellows gain first-hand insight into the complexities of international development while working on high-impact projects that shape national and global development outcomes.

Past fellows have gone on to secure influential roles in:

• International organizations such as the United Nations, IMF, and regional development banks

• National governments and ministries

• Leading think tanks and policy research institutions

• Top universities and academic institutions

• Civil society organizations and NGOs

This program not only boosts individual careers but also contributes to the long-term capacity building of African institutions by investing in local talent.

Disclaimer

This opportunity is being published for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the World Bank Group and do not process any applications on their behalf. For official details, application requirements, and inquiries, please visit the World Bank’s official website. Please do not send applications or personal information to this platform, as we are unable to respond or provide application assistance.

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