The AFREXIMBANK Internship Program 2026 is a highly competitive, paid opportunity offered by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The program is designed to provide hands-on training in African trade finance and economic development, typically lasting 3 to 6 months. Interns receive a combined USD 1,500 monthly stipend (USD 1,000 stipend + USD 500 housing allowance for international relocators). The Bank also covers return airfare, initial one-week accommodation, and visa assistance.
Eligibility is restricted to nationals of Afreximbank member countries (including those of African descent in the diaspora or non-Africans aligned with the mission), candidates must be aged 20-32, and be enrolled full-time in relevant fields such as economics, finance, or law. The deadline for application is typically October 31, 2025.
The African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIMBANK) is a leading multilateral financial institution established to promote and finance intra- and extra-African trade. The AFREXIMBANK Internship Program 2026 is a premier opportunity for ambitious students and recent graduates to gain invaluable, hands-on experience in the dynamic fields of African trade finance and economic development.
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This is more than just an internship; it is a paid pathway for young Africans to contribute fresh ideas, understand the complexities of the continent’s trade ecosystem, and launch a significant career. Successful candidates receive exceptional financial and logistical support, making this a highly sought-after paid African internship.
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Internship Benefits
Interns receive a substantial financial package, calculated monthly, which helps defray high living costs, primarily in Cairo, Egypt (the Bank’s headquarters).
| Component | Amount | Condition | Notes |
| Monthly Tax-Free Stipend | USD $1,000 | Paid monthly | Core living cost allowance. |
| Housing Allowance | USD $500 | Paid only for international relocators | Brings the total monthly reward to USD $1,500. |
| Total Monthly Reward | Up to USD $1,500 | If relocating | This makes the internship one of the most generous among African development institutions. |
Logistical and Relocation Benefits
The Bank offers crucial logistical support for international candidates:
- Return Airfare: Coverage of reasonable return airfare costs to the internship location, adhering to the Bank’s travel policy for the most economic and direct routing from the student’s institution of learning.
- Initial Accommodation: Accommodation (bed and breakfast) in a Bank-chosen hotel for one week during the mandatory induction period upon arrival.
- Transport Allowance (Initial): Ground transfers to the hotel upon arrival and back to the airport/station upon departure.
- Visa Assistance: Provision of the relevant residence visa for the entire duration of the internship, if required by the host country (mostly Egypt).
Benefits of the AFREXIMBANK Experience
Interns who successfully complete the program gain not only a competitive boost to their CV but also a deep understanding of African trade dynamics, which is crucial for future African trade finance careers.
- Mentorship and Rotations: Interns are typically linked to a Team Support grade for competency management and are assigned a primary department with a dedicated mentor. There may be opportunities for rotational learning across different departments of the Afreximbank Group (including Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) or Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS)).
- The Final Report: At the conclusion of the program, interns are expected to submit a detailed report on what they gained from the experience and their plan for using that knowledge to contribute to Africa’s growth.
This internship is highly demanding but rewarding, offering a launchpad for young professionals dedicated to making an impact on the continent’s economic future.
AFREXIMBANK Internship 2026 Eligibility and Requirements
The competition is based purely on merit, attracting a vast pool of highly qualified candidates. Only applicants who meet all the core criteria below will be considered for the program.
Mandatory Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Status: Applicants must be able to provide proof of current full-time enrollment in an undergraduate (L3 or L4) or postgraduate study program (Master’s or PhD) at a recognized institution during the year of the internship.
- Age Restriction: Candidates must be aged strictly between 20 and 32 in the year they submit their application.
- Nationality: Candidates must be Nationals of Afreximbank Group member countries. The program also extends eligibility to students of African descent in the diaspora and non-African students whose career goals align strongly with the Bank’s mission for African transformation.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in either English or French is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of the other. Knowledge of Arabic or Portuguese is a significant advantage.
- Exclusions: Children of current Afreximbank staff are strictly ineligible for the program.
Preferred Academic Backgrounds
While candidates from diverse fields are considered, the Bank places a strong emphasis on applicants whose studies align with its operational mandate. Preferred fields include:
- Economics and Finance
- Business Administration and Accounting
- Law
- Social Sciences and Statistics
- Sciences and Engineering (especially for specific operational/project departments).
Application Process: How to Apply for AFREXIMBANK Internship Step by Step Guide
The application process for the AFREXIMBANK application is rigorous and requires detailed documentation. Applications are generally accepted year-round, but specific deadlines, like the October 31, 2025 deadline, govern entry into the subsequent year’s cohorts (January and June 2026 starts).
Required Documents Checklist
All documents must be uploaded alongside the completed online application form:
- Letter of Application: A formal letter expressing interest in the program.
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your CV should emphasize relevant academic projects, internships, and any experience related to finance, economics, or African development.
- Passport Copy: A copy of your valid passport.
- Academic Certificates: Certified copies of relevant academic certificates and transcripts.
- Institutional Recommendation: A formal recommendation letter from your current institution of learning. This letter must clearly state the proposed internship period (between 3 and 6 months).
- Short Statement of Intent: A maximum of one A4 page document detailing your expectations from the program and, crucially, how you intend to use the knowledge gained to promote the transformation of Africa and its diaspora.
Post-Selection and Conditional Offer
Once accepted, successful candidates must act quickly to finalize their position:
- Acceptance Window: Candidates have two weeks to accept the conditional offer, or the offer will expire.
- Mandatory Insurance Proof: During this two-week period, interns must provide evidence of having valid medical insurance and group personal accident cover valid in the host country (e.g., Egypt) for the entire duration of the internship. Failure to provide this will result in the automatic withdrawal of the offer.
- Relocation: Interns must be ready to physically relocate to the assigned AFREXIMBANK office (mostly Cairo) to commence their internship within the first month of the allocated cohort (January or June).
Application Deadline: October 31st, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the total monthly payment for interns in the AFREXIMBANK Internship Program 2026?
The total monthly compensation is up to USD $1,500. This is composed of a USD 1,000 monthly stipend and an additional USD 500 housing allowance provided for candidates relocating internationally.
Q2: What is the age restriction for the Afreximbank eligibility criteria?
Candidates must be between the ages of 20 and 32 in the year they apply for the internship.
Q3: What is the main purpose of the USD 1500 monthly stipend?
The stipend is a tax-free monthly payment intended to help cover the intern’s living costs during their 3 to 6-month placement, particularly in the high-cost environment of the headquarters in Cairo.
Q4: Are non-African students eligible for the Paid African internship?
Yes, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria and their vision for the transformation of Africa strongly aligns with the mission of the Afreximbank Group.
Q5: What is the deadline for the 2026 internship deadline?
While applications are received year-round, the specific deadline for entry into the 2026 cohorts (starting January or June) is typically around October 31, 2025.
Q6: Can the internship lead to full-time employment with AFREXIMBANK?
The Bank explicitly states that the internship does not in any way offer the promise or guarantee of employment either before, during, or after the program.
Q7: What mandatory item must I secure before the internship starts?
You must show evidence of possessing valid medical insurance and group personal accident cover for the full duration of the internship in the host location within two weeks of receiving the conditional offer.
Q8: What does the AFREXIMBANK application require regarding my study institution?
The application requires a Recommendation Letter from your institution of learning that specifically details the proposed duration of your internship (up to a maximum of six months).
Q9: Where are the Afreximbank member countries listed?
The full list of member countries whose nationals are eligible is available on the official Afreximbank website.
Q10: What is the minimum and maximum duration of the internship?
The minimum duration is 3 months, and the maximum duration is 6 months.
