The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship 2027 offers a unique opportunity for an experienced African professional to work with the African Development Bank in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The fellowship prepares future African leaders through strategic work at a leading multilateral institution. In addition, the selected fellow will support high-level assignments related to development policy, governance, finance, and Africa’s economic progress.
Furthermore, the appointment lasts 12 months and begins under a contract with the African Development Bank.
Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship 2027 benefits
The programme gives one selected professional access to senior-level work and leadership experience. Therefore, it suits candidates who want to contribute to Africa’s development while strengthening their professional capacity.
The fellow can gain:
- A one-year placement at the African Development Bank.
- Experience working with senior Bank leaders.
- Exposure to strategic assignments and development policy.
- Experience in research, analysis, project monitoring, and policy work.
- Opportunities to prepare briefs, memos, and high-level meeting materials.
- Official mission travel support from the Bank.
- An annual stipend paid monthly.
- Travel and shipping support when taking up and completing the assignment.
- Medical insurance, education, and retirement arrangements financed by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
- A network of senior professionals and African development institutions.
However, this is not a regular Bank position. The fellowship does not guarantee future employment, and the contract cannot be renewed.
For another opportunity for African leaders, explore the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship 2027 on OpportunityLab.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a national of an African country.
- Be no older than 40 years.
- Women with children may apply up to age 45.
- Hold at least a Master’s degree from a recognised institution.
- Have a qualification in banking, business, economics, finance, international development, social sciences, or a related field.
- Have at least seven years of relevant work experience.
- Show strong leadership and communication skills.
- Have experience in strategy, project management, and execution.
- Understand policy design and implementation.
- Analyse and interpret financial and other data.
- Communicate confidently with officials and different stakeholder groups.
- Manage several projects at the same time.
- Work effectively in a diverse and multicultural environment.
Government officials, active military personnel, political-party leaders, and current or former African Development Bank staff members cannot apply. Applicants must also have no close family relationship with an active or non-active Bank staff member.
Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship 2027 focus areas
The programme gives priority to work connected to the African Development Bank’s Four Cardinal Points:
- Mobilising capital to finance Africa’s development.
- Reforming Africa’s financial architecture.
- Using Africa’s demographic dividend to support economic growth.
- Building climate-resilient infrastructure and adding value to natural resources.
Consequently, candidates should show how their experience relates to development finance, economic policy, climate resilience, infrastructure, governance, or strategic planning.
Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship 2027 duties
The selected fellow will work with the Bank’s President, Managing Directors, Chief of Staff, Director of Cabinet, or another designated senior representative.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and developing new approaches to strategic issues.
- Researching current and emerging policy areas.
- Monitoring Bank initiatives and work programmes.
- Preparing clear briefs, memos, and other documents.
- Supporting the preparation of presidential meetings and missions.
- Carrying out other strategic duties assigned by senior staff.
Also, the role requires strong judgment, initiative, writing ability, and the confidence to work on sensitive development issues.
Fellowship 2027 application
Applicants must submit:
- A comprehensive CV with date of birth, nationality, education, and work history.
- Academic transcripts.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Any other documents requested in the online form.
However, the selection process begins with an African Development Bank review. Human Resources will shortlist about ten applications. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation will then review the shortlist and present three candidates to the Bank President for final selection.
Deadline
The application deadline is 20 November 2026. Only candidates who meet the requirements and reach the interview stage will receive further communication.
How to Apply for the Fellowship Programme
Select the external-candidate option if you do not currently work for the Bank. The African Development Bank does not charge applicants at any stage of recruitment. Never pay anyone who promises selection, an interview, or a fellowship placement.
Therefore, apply early because the online form requires supporting documents and recommendation letters.
