The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has opened applications for its 2026 Internship Programme, offering young Africans the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and regional offices across the continent.
The internship programme is designed to build the capacity of Africa’s next generation of leaders while advancing the Bank’s mission to drive sustainable development and economic transformation across its member countries.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 AfDB Internship Programme, applicants must:
• Be a citizen of a Bank member country.
• Be 30 years old or younger by 31 December 2025.
• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in a master’s degree programme at a recognized institution, or apply within one year of completing a master’s degree.
• Provide proof of enrollment in a university or professional institution.
• Be fluent in English or French, with working knowledge of the other language.
• Demonstrate adaptability to multicultural settings and strong communication skills.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Why It Matters
The AfDB Internship Programme is more than just a professional placement—it is a strategic step in building Africa’s future workforce. By giving young Africans international exposure, the initiative helps bridge the skill gap, supports human capital development, and enhances employability across key sectors such as finance, energy, agriculture, governance, and industrialization. It also provides the Bank with a pool of young professionals who could become part of its long-term mission to foster inclusive growth and private sector development on the continent.
Benefits of the Programme
• Monthly stipend for the duration of the internship.
• Medical insurance fully covered by the Bank.
• Exposure to international development operations and participation in projects that impact Africa’s growth.
• Mentorship and professional networking opportunities with experts at the Bank.
• Opportunity to work either at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, regional offices, or remotely.
• Chance to join official AfDB missions, depending on departmental needs.
Terms and Conditions
Interns are responsible for their travel and accommodation expenses, while the Bank provides medical insurance and administrative support with visa applications. The internship is authorized once per candidate and will run for a limited period as determined by the hosting department.
Application Timeline
• Application period: October 31 – November 14, 2025
• Screening and shortlisting: November 22 – 28, 2025
• Review Committee and final selection: December 2 – 8, 2025
• Notification of results: December 14, 2025
• Internship start date: January 16, 2026
Why MSMEs Should Take Note
The AfDB Internship Programme contributes to the growth of Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by nurturing young talents who could later drive innovation, lead small businesses, and support job creation across the continent. The skills and exposure gained through the programme strengthen Africa’s human resource base, an essential element for a thriving MSME sector and sustainable economic development.
