The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship 2027 at the African Development Bank offers a one-year opportunity for African professionals in Abidjan, with applications closing November 20, 2026.
The 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship at the African Development Bank (AfDB) is open to experienced African professionals seeking a senior-level development and leadership opportunity.
The fellowship is based at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and lasts for one year. The programme is designed to strengthen professional and leadership capacity while exposing fellows to strategic work related to Africa’s development.
Opportunity Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship |
| Intake | 2027 |
| Host organization | African Development Bank |
| Location | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire |
| Position No. | 50100504 |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Application deadline | November 20, 2026 |
| Eligible applicants | African nationals |
| Minimum experience | 7 years |
| Minimum qualification | Master’s degree |
| Age limit | 40; 45 for women with children |
About the Fellowship
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme is designed to prepare the next generation of African leaders through work opportunities at senior levels of African institutions and multilateral organizations.
The 2027 fellow will work with the African Development Bank for a period of up to 12 months and will receive leadership guidance from senior Bank officials.
The fellowship is funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, while the fellow signs a contract with the African Development Bank.
What the Fellow Will Do
The fellow will contribute to strategic assignments under the guidance of senior Bank leadership.
Responsibilities include:
- Designing and helping implement innovative approaches to strategic issues.
- Conducting research and analysis on strategy, programmes and policy.
- Monitoring and analyzing Bank initiatives and work programmes.
- Preparing briefs, memoranda and other documents.
- Contributing to the preparation of the President’s meetings and missions.
- Performing other duties assigned by relevant senior staff in the President’s office.
2027 Strategic Priorities
The selection criteria identify four areas as priorities for the 2027 fellowship:
- Mobilizing resources at scale to finance Africa’s development.
- Reforming Africa’s financial architecture.
- Harnessing the demographic dividend to drive economic growth.
- Building climate-resilient infrastructure and increasing value addition to natural resources.
The posting also highlights strong professional experience, analytical skills in development policy and strategy, and the ability to work with development models.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a national of an African country, regardless of where they currently reside.
- Not be an active, inactive, retired or separated African Development Bank staff member.
- Not have close family relations with an active or non-active Bank staff member.
- Not be a government official, active military personnel or political party leader.
- Be no more than 40 years old for men and women, or 45 years old for women with children.
- Hold at least a Master’s degree from a recognized institution.
- Have at least 7 years of relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrate leadership and communication skills.
- Have experience in strategic planning, project management and execution.
- Have experience developing policies, strategies or procedures.
- Demonstrate strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
- Be able to communicate with government officials and diverse stakeholders.
- Be able to motivate teams and manage several projects simultaneously.
Relevant master’s-level fields include banking, business, economics, finance, international development, social sciences and other disciplines relevant to the Bank’s activities.
Fellowship Terms and Benefits
The fellow receives an annual stipend paid monthly by the African Development Bank from funds provided by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
The fellow may also travel for official Bank missions, with eligible official mission travel expenses covered by the Bank. Travel and shipping costs associated with taking up and completing the assignment are funded through the Foundation.
The fellowship does not provide access to the Bank’s regular employee benefits such as its staff medical insurance, retirement plan or child education scheme. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation will instead arrange medical insurance, child education and retirement plan arrangements for the fellow.
The posting does not specify the exact stipend amount.
Duration and Employment Status
The fellowship is for one year and is not renewable.
The fellow is not a regular employee of the African Development Bank and the fellowship does not create an entitlement to future employment with the Bank.
The posting also states that fellows are not eligible for recruitment as Bank staff for one year following the end of the fellowship term, subject to the stated terms.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit an online application containing:
- A comprehensive CV.
- Date of birth.
- Nationality.
- Education details.
- Relevant professional experience.
- Academic transcripts.
- Three letters of recommendation.
The African Development Bank’s Human Resources Department will conduct an initial review and develop a shortlist of 10 applicant files for further review by the Foundation. A shortlist of three candidates will then be presented to the Bank President or designate for final selection.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is:
November 20, 2026.
The vacancy was posted on September 21, 2026, with the closing date listed as November 20, 2026.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online through the African Development Bank’s official vacancy page.
Apply for the 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship
The Bank states that it does not charge applicants any fees during the recruitment process.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The 2027 fellowship is aimed at experienced African professionals rather than recent graduates. The posting requires a Master’s degree, at least seven years of relevant experience and demonstrated leadership, strategic planning and policy capabilities.
Applicants should also consider the fellowship’s specific eligibility restrictions, including the exclusion of government officials, active military personnel and political party leaders.
Application Tips
Applicants should:
- Clearly demonstrate at least seven years of relevant experience.
- Highlight leadership and strategic planning responsibilities.
- Show experience in policy or strategy development.
- Demonstrate analytical and financial/data interpretation skills.
- Highlight experience working with senior officials and diverse stakeholders.
- Connect relevant experience to the Bank’s four 2027 priority areas.
- Prepare a comprehensive but concise CV.
- Secure three strong professional recommendations.
- Include complete academic transcripts.
- Apply before the November 20 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to African nationals who meet the stated academic, professional, age and eligibility requirements.
How much professional experience is required?
Applicants must have at least seven years of work experience relevant to the African Development Bank’s activities.
What degree is required?
A minimum of a Master’s degree from a recognized institution is required.
What is the age limit?
The age limit is 40 years for men and women, and 45 years for women with children.
Where is the fellowship based?
The fellowship is based at the African Development Bank headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, or another location from which the Bank operates.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship lasts one year and is not renewable.
Is the fellowship a regular African Development Bank job?
No. The posting states that the fellowship is not a regular Bank position and does not provide an entitlement to future employment.
Is the fellowship paid?
Yes. The fellow receives an annual stipend paid monthly. The exact amount is not specified in the supplied vacancy.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by November 20, 2026.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this fellowship for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation or the African Development Bank and do not recruit applicants on their behalf.
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