Tag Archives: African Fellowship

2026 MO IBRAHIM FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Application Deadline: 20 November, 2025

LOCATION: Côte d’Ivoire

The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship Programme is a selective Fellowship that prepares the next generation of outstanding African leaders by providing them with unique work opportunities at the most senior level of prominent African institutions or multilateral organizations whose mandate is to improve the economic and social prospects of Africa. 

ELIGIBILITY:

The Fellowship is for young professionals, mid-career professionals, and/or new executives. The Fellow must:

Be national of an African country, residing anywhere in the world;

Not be an active, non-active, retired, or separated staff member of the Bank;

Not have close family relations with an active or non-active staff member, such as mother, father, sister and brother;

Government officials, active military personnel and political party leaders are not eligible;

Age limit is forty (40) years for men and women and forty-five (45) years for women with children;

Have outstanding academic credentials backed by a minimum of a Master’s Degree from a recognized institution in banking, business, economics or other social sciences, finance; international development; or in any other discipline relevant to the Bank’s business;

Have relevant and demonstrable work experience, strong communication skills, demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work with others;

Have at least 7 (seven) years’ work experience relevant to the Bank’s activities;

Demonstrate proven leadership and consultative skills;

Have experience in strategic planning, project management and execution;

Have experience in formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures;

Demonstrate strong ability to analyze and interpret financial and other data;

Excellent written and oral presentation skills;

Demonstrate ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government and to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community;

Demonstrate ability to motivate teams and simultaneously manage several projects.

Interested candidates should complete the online form at the Bank’s website: https://www.afdb.org/en/vacancy/2026-mo-ibrahim-foundation-leadership-fellowship-program-86981

Applicants must apply online by no later than 20th November 2025.

Applications will only be considered if they are submitted online with a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) indicating date of birth, nationality, education and relevant experience.

BENEFIT:

The fellow will receive an annual stipend paid monthly by the Bank out of the funds provided by the Foundation. The Fellow may be required to travel to different locations on instructions of the Bank. All expenses related to the Fellow’s official mission travel, including travel insurance but excluding travel and shipping costs relating to assumption of duty and repatriation, will be borne by the Bank:

Annual stipend of $100,000 (paid monthly)

Coverage of official mission travel and insurance

Mentorship from top executives

High-level exposure to governance, policy-making, and development strategy
(Note: Fellowship does not provide permanent employment with the host institution.)

APPLY

ISS DAKAR: JUNIOR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME, 2025–2026

Application Deadline: 1 August 2025

LOCATION: Senegal

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Bosch Foundation are empowering West Africa’s next generation of policy leaders through a flagship program on ‘Gender, human security, and geopolitics.’ Exceptional young West Africans (especially women) are invited to apply for the first intake of four fellows.

ELIGIBILITY:

As a fellow, you will spend 10 months working with leading African experts in Dakar to understand the governance challenges preventing West Africa from reaching its full potential. You will gain rare access to top decision-makers and help craft policy solutions. Fellows have a unique opportunity to build connections that unlock various careers in human security policymaking and practice.

Be a citizen of any West African country

Be under 30 years of age

Hold a Master’s degree in international relations, political science, law, anthropology, sociology, or related fields

Have a strong interest in security, gender, democracy, governance, or geopolitics

Be fluent in English or French; additional West African languages are a plus

Be a confident communicator, self-motivated, and eager to grow in a dynamic team

This is your pathway to policy influence, your training ground in leadership, and your gateway to networks of professionals committed to improving Africa’s future. 
If you’re ready to become a voice for change and a builder of peace and prosperity, apply now!

Email your complete application to Souleymane Ndiaye at dakarjobs@issafrica.org by 1 August 2025.

Your application must include:

A motivational cover letter

A detailed CV with three references

A scanned ID or passport copy

 Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

BENEFIT:

Monthly stipend plus health insurance

Accommodation in Dakar

Return flight to and from your home country

Professional mentorship from experienced ISS researchers

Access to a vibrant fellowship network and career opportunities across Africa 

APPLY