World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2027 | Fully Funded Six-Month Fellowship for Sub-Saharan African Ph.D. Scholars
The World Bank Group (WBG) has officially opened applications for the Africa Fellowship Program 2027, a prestigious fully funded six-month fellowship for outstanding Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme aims to develop the next generation of African leaders in development research, economic policy, and international development while contributing to the World Bank Group’s mission of reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity. Applications are open until 25 August 2026, with selected fellows beginning their assignments in January 2027.
Successful fellows will spend six months at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at one of its country offices, where they will contribute to research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations alongside leading development professionals.
About the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program
The Africa Fellowship Program is designed to build a strong pipeline of talented African researchers and development professionals. Since its inception, the programme has provided young scholars with practical experience in international development while preparing them for careers in global organizations, African governments, think tanks, research institutions, and universities.
Fellows work alongside World Bank experts on projects that contribute to inclusive economic growth, policy development, poverty reduction, and sustainable development across Africa and other developing regions.
Fellowship Duration
Selected candidates receive:
- A six-month fellowship assignment.
- Placement at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., or a World Bank country office.
- Appointment as an Extended Term Consultant (ETC) during the fellowship period.
- Fellowship start date in January 2027.
Areas of Work
Fellows may contribute to projects involving:
- Development Economics
- Public Policy
- Macroeconomics
- Finance
- Governance
- Infrastructure
- Agriculture
- Climate Change
- Education
- Health
- Digital Development
- Social Protection
- Poverty Reduction
- Data Analytics
- International Development Research
Assignments vary depending on the fellow’s academic specialization and the needs of World Bank Group departments.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must generally:
- Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Be enrolled in the final year of a Ph.D. programme, or have obtained a Ph.D. within the last three years.
- Be 32 years old or younger as of 1 January 2027.
- Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English.
- Possess strong analytical and quantitative research skills.
- Have expertise in a field relevant to the World Bank Group’s work.
The World Bank Group particularly encourages women to apply.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive:
- A fully funded six-month professional assignment.
- Hands-on experience with one of the world’s leading international development organizations.
- Opportunities to work alongside global experts and policymakers.
- Exposure to development research, lending operations, and technical assistance.
- Professional networking opportunities.
- Career development within international organizations.
- Experience that strengthens future opportunities in academia, government, and development institutions.
Selection Process
The fellowship selection process includes:
Phase 1
Applications are reviewed, and a shortlist of candidates is prepared based on academic background, research interests, and professional qualifications.
Phase 2
Shortlisted candidates are matched with World Bank Group units according to their expertise. Final fellows are selected in consultation with hiring departments before receiving fellowship offers.
Why Apply?
The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to gain practical experience in international development while working on projects that address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges. Fellows develop valuable professional skills, build international networks, and contribute to policy research that supports sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.
Many alumni have gone on to successful careers within international organizations, universities, government institutions, and research centres across Africa and beyond.
How to Apply
- Visit the official World Bank Group Africa Fellowship website.
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Application Deadline: 25 August 2026
Fellowship Start: January 2027
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