2026 WBG Africa Fellowship Program

The Africa region of the World Bank Group (WBG) is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for the 2026 WBG Africa Fellowship Program. This program is designed for Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates who are Sub-Saharan Africa nationals. Women are especially encouraged to apply.

Through this fellowship, the WBG aims to build the capacity of the next generation of African change-makers in development research, policymaking, and promote the goals of reducing poverty in the region.

📖 About the Program

The program targets young talented African nationals who are completing or have recently completed their Ph.D. in areas relevant to the World Bank’s work. Since its inception, the fellowship program has been successful in building a strong pipeline of young African talent interested in careers in:

• Development
• International institutions
• African governments
• Think tanks
• Academia

Key Features:

• Selected fellows will undertake a six-month assignment at WBG offices in Washington D.C. or in country offices.
• Fellows will gain hands-on experience in WBG operations, including:
  • Knowledge generation and dissemination
  • Design of global and country policies
  • Building institutions to achieve inclusive growth in developing countries

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.

🎯 Benefits

• Consultant fees for fellows.
• Round-trip economy-class air travel to Washington, D.C. or a WBG country office.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the program, applicants must:

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

📅 Application Date and Process

Phase I:

• A shortlist of candidates will be selected based on their field of specialization and interest.
• Applicants will be notified about the status of their application and whether they have been shortlisted.

Phase II:

• The final list of fellows will be selected in consultation with various units of the WBG.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of their selection status.
• Selected candidates will be hired as short-term consultants for six months starting January 2026.

📌 Application Deadline

25 August, 2025

🌐 How to Apply

• Apply directly via the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program Portal.
• View more details on the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program.

🏢 Sponsor Organization

The program is sponsored by the World Bank Group.

This fellowship is a unique opportunity to contribute to the World Bank’s mission of eliminating poverty and fostering shared prosperity while gaining invaluable experience in development operations. Apply now to be part of this transformative initiative!

• Fellows are eligible to receive consultant fees.
• Round-trip economy-class air travel to Washington, D.C. or a WBG country office.