FULLY FUNDED TO USA – Submit your application for the 2026 World Bank Africa Fellowship Program in the United States today.

Deadline: August 25, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program

The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program is a highly competitive opportunity for bright and motivated young African scholars. It is designed to attract outstanding Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates who have a passion for development work and are eager to use their skills to help find innovative solutions to the development challenges facing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This unique program was created to build the capacity of the next generation of African researchers and development experts by exposing them to the operations, research, and policy work of the World Bank Group. Fellows benefit from practical, hands-on experience in a leading global development institution, while the World Bank Group benefits from their fresh ideas, knowledge of local contexts, and innovative research.

About the Opportunity

Successful fellows will spend six months, from January to June 2026, working directly with technical experts in the World Bank’s global practice groups, regional units, or corporate teams. This placement can take place at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., or in a relevant country office in Africa, depending on project needs and placement availability.

During this time, fellows will contribute to research, operational work, policy analysis, and technical assistance programs. They will gain first-hand exposure to how the World Bank uses data and analysis to inform policy, design projects, and evaluate impact. Many fellows use this opportunity to deepen their expertise in areas such as macroeconomics, climate change, poverty reduction, private sector development, education, health, infrastructure, governance, or other critical development topics.

The fellowship is not just about research — it is also about building networks, sharing knowledge, and developing professional skills that will help fellows become influential voices in Africa’s development future.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this opportunity, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country.
• Be enrolled in a Ph.D. program in a development-related field such as economics, public policy, agriculture, environment, education, health, infrastructure, governance, or other relevant areas — OR have completed your Ph.D. within the last three years.
• Be no older than 32 years of age by the application deadline.
• Have an excellent academic record, strong quantitative and analytical skills, and demonstrated proficiency in English.
• Show a clear commitment to research, policy work, and development issues relevant to Africa.
• Be available to spend six months working full-time at the World Bank Group, starting in January 2026.

Benefits

The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program offers a comprehensive package of support to help fellows make the most of their experience. Benefits include:

• A six-month short-term consultancy contract with the World Bank Group, providing valuable work experience.
• Competitive consultant fees/stipend during the fellowship period.
• Round-trip economy-class air travel from your home or university to your assigned WBG duty station.
• The opportunity to work on challenging research, policy, or operational tasks that contribute to real projects and programs in Africa.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced World Bank professionals.
• Access to training and professional development activities to build research, communication, and leadership skills.
• A chance to present your work, receive feedback, and build your reputation within an international network of researchers and practitioners.
• Connections that can open doors to future career opportunities in development, academia, policy institutions, and beyond.

Key Dates

• Applications open: July 1, 2025
• Applications close: August 25, 2025
• Shortlisting of candidates: Approximately October 2025
• Final selection and placement matching: November–December 2025
• Fellowship period: January–June 2026

Why Apply

This fellowship is a unique stepping stone for aspiring African researchers and policymakers who want to make a meaningful impact on development in Africa. It offers you a chance to:

• Gain first-hand experience with a world-renowned international organization that shapes global development policy.
• Work on complex, real-world problems that affect millions of people across Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Develop skills that go beyond research, including policy analysis, project management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Build strong professional networks with peers, mentors, and senior experts in your field.
• Learn how evidence-based research is used to drive decision-making in large-scale development programs.
• Position yourself for future career opportunities with the World Bank Group, other international institutions, governments, think tanks, or universities.

The program strongly encourages applications from women and people from underrepresented countries within Sub-Saharan Africa.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program portal. Be sure to prepare a well-crafted CV highlighting your research skills, academic achievements, and areas of expertise. You may also need to submit a statement of interest outlining your research focus, how your work aligns with the World Bank Group’s mission, and what you hope to gain from the fellowship.

Candidates are shortlisted based on their academic excellence, professional experience, and demonstrated commitment to Africa’s development. Shortlisted candidates will be matched with relevant units within the World Bank Group, and final selection will be made in consultation with those units.

Click here to apply