The African Development Bank Internship is open for Session 1 of the 2027 programme. It offers Master’s students professional experience with one of Africa’s leading development institutions.
However, selected interns may work remotely or on-site at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, or at its regional and country offices. The first session starts in January 2027 and lasts between three and six months.
Also, the African Development Bank selects interns based on its business needs. Therefore, applicants should show how their academic field and career interests match the Bank’s work.
African Development Bank Internship benefits
The programme offers practical exposure to development work across Africa. It also helps students understand how a multilateral institution supports economic growth, social progress, and sustainable development.
Successful applicants can receive:
- Professional experience with the African Development Bank.
- Placement in a Bank department, regional office, or country office.
- Remote or on-site internship options, based on the hiring unit’s needs.
- A monthly stipend for eligible interns.
- Medical insurance coverage paid by the Bank during the internship.
- Experience across development, finance, operations, policy, and related fields.
- A chance to build skills for future roles in international development.
However, on-site interns must pay for travel to and from the Bank location, as well as their living costs. The Bank may assist selected interns with entry and residence visa processes.
African Development Bank Internship eligibility
Applicants must meet every requirement below:
- Be at least the legal age of adulthood in their country of nationality or origin.
- Be no older than 30 when the internship begins.
- Be enrolled in a recognised Master’s degree programme, or have completed the degree within the previous year.
- Be a national of an African Development Bank member country.
- Provide a university letter that confirms current enrollment, or submit a copy of the relevant Master’s degree.
- Speak and write English or French fluently.
- Know how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
- Have access to a personal computer, dependable internet, and a suitable work environment if assigned to work remotely.
Knowledge of SAP can strengthen an application, although the Bank describes it as desirable rather than compulsory. Applicants may complete the internship only once.
Internship fields
The Bank welcomes students from many academic backgrounds. Priority fields include:
- Agriculture and agro-industry.
- Engineering and infrastructure.
- Finance, investment, risk management, and procurement.
- Economics, statistics, and data management.
- Sustainability, climate, and natural-resource management.
- Operations management, programme delivery, and monitoring.
- Governance, legal services, and corporate advisory work.
- Human resources, communications, translation, and interpretation.
- Information technology, information management, and real estate services.
- Human capital and capacity development.
In addition, the Bank gives special consideration to students whose projects directly support its mission. As a result, candidates should connect their research, coursework, or career plans to African development needs.
Timeline for the Programme
The Bank runs two internship sessions each year. This announcement covers Session 1 of the 2027 programme.
- Application opens: 28 September 2026.
- Application deadline: 12 October 2026.
- Internship start: January 2027.
- Duration: Three to six months.
- Work location: Remote or on-site, depending on the assigned unit.
Apply early because the application window lasts only 15 calendar days.
For more opportunities like this, visit the Internship Opportunities page on OpportunityLab.
Apply for African Development Bank Internship
Submit a complete online application and attach a detailed CV before the deadline. The Bank will contact only candidates who meet its requirements and move forward for assessment.
The African Development Bank does not charge applicants at any point in the recruitment process. Do not pay anyone who claims to offer guaranteed selection, CV review, interviews, or placement.
