IBRAHIM LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIPS 2027

IBRAHIM LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIPS 2027

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships, established in 2011, are designed to identify, develop and mentor the next generation of outstanding African leaders.

Each year, selected Fellows have the opportunity to work within the executive offices of one of the participating host institutions:

1. African Development Bank AfDB, Abidjan
2. United Nations Economic Commission for Africa ECA, Addis Ababa
3. International Trade Centre ITC, Geneva

FELLOWSHIP DURATION

12 Months

STIPEND

USD 100,000

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships provide young African professionals, mid-career professionals and new executives with an opportunity to gain practical experience within major African and international institutions.

During the 12-month fellowship, Fellows develop technical and leadership skills while contributing directly to research, policy development and institutional work.

A unique feature of the programme is the opportunity to receive direct mentorship from the heads of the host organizations.

Fellows also become members of the Now Generation Network NGN, a network through which former Fellows can continue to contribute their skills, knowledge and ideas towards building a better Africa.

2027 FELLOWSHIPS

Applications for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships are now open.

Applicants should visit the relevant host organization website for detailed application requirements and instructions.

HOST INSTITUTIONS

AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AFDB

The fellowship provides an opportunity to work within the African Development Bank and develop leadership and technical expertise relevant to Africa’s development.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE ITC

The ITC fellowship offers Fellows exposure to inclusive and sustainable trade and development solutions while working alongside the Executive Director and the ITC team.

UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA UNECA

Fellows working with UNECA gain exposure to development policy issues affecting African countries and contribute to research, policy and strategic initiatives.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

1. Be a national of an African country.
2. Hold a Master’s degree.
3. Have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional work experience.
4. Be under 40 years of age.
5. Women with children may be eligible up to the age of 45.
6. Meet any additional eligibility requirements established by the selected host organization.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The fellowship is intended for African young professionals, mid-career professionals and new executives with relevant professional experience and a strong interest in contributing to Africa’s development.

WHAT FELLOWS GAIN

Selected Fellows have the opportunity to:

1. Gain practical experience within a major international institution.
2. Develop technical and leadership skills.
3. Contribute to research and policy design.
4. Receive direct mentorship from senior institutional leaders.
5. Build professional networks across Africa and internationally.
6. Join the Now Generation Network after completing the fellowship.
7. Gain exposure to major development, economic and policy issues affecting Africa.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process is conducted through the individual host institutions. Applicants should review the specific requirements, deadlines and application procedures for their preferred host institution.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

African Development Bank AfDB:

AfDB Fellowship Details and Application Information

International Trade Centre ITC:

Applicants should follow the ITC application information provided through the official Ibrahim Foundation fellowship page.

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa UNECA:

Applicants should review the UNECA programme and application information through the official Ibrahim Foundation fellowship page.

APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN FOR 2027 FELLOWSHIPS

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Applicants should carefully review the additional criteria and requirements set by each host institution before applying. The fellowship is competitive, and meeting the general eligibility criteria does not necessarily guarantee selection.