Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships 2027 offer three 12-month placements for African professionals at AfDB, ITC or UNECA, with a $100,000 stipend and leadership mentorship.
The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships 2027 are now open for applications, offering young African professionals, mid-career professionals and new executives an opportunity to work within the executive offices of leading African and international development institutions.
Each year, three Fellows are placed at the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa or the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva.
The 12-month fellowship provides a $100,000 stipend, together with technical and leadership development opportunities.
Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships 2027: Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships |
| Host institutions | AfDB, ITC or UNECA |
| Number of Fellows | 3 annually |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Stipend | $100,000 |
| Eligible applicants | African nationals |
| Minimum experience | 7 years relevant work experience |
| Education | Master’s degree |
| Age | Under 40, or under 45 for women with children |
| Application | Through the relevant host organization |
| 2027 applications | Open |
What Is the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship?
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships were established in 2011 to identify and mentor the next generation of African leaders.
Fellows work within the executive offices of one of the three host institutions and contribute to areas such as research, policy design and development work.
During the 12-month programme, Fellows gain technical and leadership experience and have the opportunity to receive direct mentorship from the heads of their host organizations.
After completing the programme, Fellows become members of the Now Generation Network (NGN), providing an ongoing platform for contributing skills and ideas to Africa’s development.
Fellowship Benefits
The programme provides a $100,000 stipend for the 12-month fellowship.
Fellows also gain:
- Technical and leadership development.
- Direct exposure to executive-level work.
- Mentorship from the leadership of the host organization.
- Experience contributing to research and policy design.
- Membership in the Now Generation Network after the fellowship.
Host Institutions
African Development Bank
The African Development Bank (AfDB) hosts Fellows in its executive offices in Abidjan.
AfDB — 2027 Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship details and application
International Trade Centre
The International Trade Centre (ITC) hosts Fellows in Geneva.
ITC — 2027 Mo Ibrahim Fellowship application details
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) hosts Fellows in Addis Ababa.
UNECA — Fellowship programme information
Who Can Apply?
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation states that applicants for the Leadership Fellowships must:
- Be a national of an African country.
- Have at least 7 years of relevant work experience.
- Hold a Master’s degree.
- Be under 40 years old, or under 45 for women with children.
- Meet any additional criteria established by the relevant host institution.
The programme is open to young professionals, mid-career professionals and new executives with relevant experience.
How to Apply
Applications are made through the relevant host organization rather than through a single central application form.
Applicants should review the requirements for their preferred host institution and submit their application according to that institution’s process.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation provides links to the 2027 application information for AfDB, ITC and UNECA.
Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships — Official Information
Application Deadline
The supplied Mo Ibrahim Foundation page confirms that 2027 applications are open, but it does not provide one universal deadline for all three host institutions.
Applicants should therefore check the application page of their selected host organization for its specific closing date and requirements.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships combine a 12-month professional placement with leadership development and executive mentorship. The programme provides a $100,000 stipend and places three Fellows annually across AfDB, ITC and UNECA.
Applicants should carefully review the host-specific requirements because additional eligibility criteria and application procedures may differ between institutions.
FAQs
What are the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships?
They are 12-month professional fellowships established to identify and mentor future generations of African leaders.
How much is the Mo Ibrahim Fellowship stipend?
The fellowship provides a $100,000 stipend for the 12-month programme.
How many Fellows are selected each year?
Three Fellows are selected each year.
Which organizations host the Fellows?
The host institutions are the African Development Bank, International Trade Centre and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Where are the fellowship locations?
The placements are in Abidjan, Addis Ababa or Geneva, depending on the host organization.
What degree is required?
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree.
How much work experience is required?
Applicants need a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes. Applicants must be under 40, or under 45 for women with children.
Who is eligible?
The fellowship is open to African nationals who meet the stated education, experience and age requirements, along with any additional host-specific criteria.
How do I apply?
Applicants should select a host organization and follow the application instructions provided by AfDB, ITC or UNECA.
Official Application Resources
Mo Ibrahim Foundation — Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships
African Development Bank — 2027 Fellowship Application
International Trade Centre — 2027 Fellowship Application
UNECA — Fellowship Information
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