Young African professionals with a passion for leadership and policy development now have the chance to apply for the 2026 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship. This fully funded program offers a year-long placement at the African Development Bank, UN Economic Commission for Africa, or the International Trade Centre, making it a rare opportunity to gain high-level experience while earning an annual stipend of $100,000.
Eligibility: African nationality, minimum 7 years’ relevant work experience, Master’s degree, under 40 years old (45 for women with children)
Application Deadline: Varies by host.
Since its launch in 2011, the fellowship has been designed to prepare Africa’s next generation of leaders. Beyond financial support, fellows receive mentorship directly from the heads of their host organizations, working closely on research, strategy, and policy implementation. This structure makes the program a career-defining step for professionals in governance, development, or international trade.
Alumni of the fellowship have gone on to shape policy across Africa and continue their contributions through the Now Generation Network, a platform for young leaders committed to building stronger African institutions. For MSMEs and startups, this fellowship indirectly supports a stronger business environment by developing leaders who influence economic and trade policies.
Tips for Applicants:
Strong applications typically highlight both technical expertise and a proven track record of leadership.
Tailor your application to reflect the priorities of the host institution you are applying to (AfDB for finance and development, UNECA for economic policy, ITC for trade and business).
Start preparing documents early, including references and proof of experience, as requirements differ slightly across the three hosts.
Application Details:
Interested candidates can apply through the official portals of each host organization:
