The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program 2026 is now officially open for applications, offering a transformative opportunity for outstanding African professionals to strengthen their leadership and governance skills at the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Since its establishment in 2006, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation has been committed to supporting good governance and nurturing exceptional leadership across Africa. This prestigious fellowship aims to prepare the next generation of African leaders through an immersive, high-level work experience that contributes to shaping the continent’s social and economic development.
Mo Ibrahim Fellowship Objectives
The Fellowship is designed to:
- Stimulate debate and measurable progress on governance in Africa.
- Provide practical opportunities for emerging leaders to contribute to development.
- Support talented individuals in building a strong professional legacy.
- Strengthen future pipelines of African leadership through mentorship and strategic engagement.
The Fellow will work directly under the guidance of AfDB’s top leadership, including the President and Senior Vice President, contributing to strategic policy design, project implementation, and governance initiatives aligned with the Bank’s High 5 priorities: powering Africa, feeding Africa, industrializing Africa, integrating Africa, and improving quality of life across the continent.
Mo Ibrahim Fellowship Benefits
- Stipend & Funding: The Fellow receives a monthly stipend funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
- Travel Coverage: Official mission travel costs and insurance are covered by the Bank.
- Professional Exposure: Fellows engage in senior-level decision-making and policy development.
- Global Impact: Contribute to governance, strategy, and development projects at the AfDB.
Please note that this Fellowship is not a permanent employment contract with the Bank. It is a 12-month, non-renewable assignment designed exclusively for leadership development.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of an African country (residing anywhere in the world).
- Hold at least a Master’s degree in fields such as economics, finance, international development, social sciences, or other relevant disciplines.
- Have a minimum of 7 years of work experience with strong leadership and analytical skills.
- Be under 40 years of age (45 for women with children).
- Demonstrate proven leadership, strategic planning, and communication skills.
- Show capacity to design, analyze, and implement development policy and projects.
Not Eligible:
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Current or former AfDB staff, close relatives of Bank employees, government officials, active military personnel, or political party leaders.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Fellow will:
- Develop innovative approaches to strategic issues relevant to the Bank.
- Conduct research and policy analysis aligned with AfDB’s mission.
- Monitor and evaluate implementation of Bank initiatives.
- Prepare strategic briefs, memos, and documentation.
- Contribute to high-level meetings and policy discussions.
Apply: https://www.afdb.org/en/vacancy/2026-mo-ibrahim-foundation-leadership-fellowship-program-86981.
Application Dates
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program 2026 was officially posted on 22 September 2025, with the application deadline set for 20 November 2025. Selected Fellows will embark on a 12-month fellowship beginning in 2026, hosted at the African Development Bank in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.