The African Development Bank (AfDB) Internship Program provides a competitive opportunity for students to acquire professional and practical experience supporting the Bank’s transformative projects focused on poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth (the High 5s). The internship duration is between three (3) and six (6) months and is authorized only once per candidate. Eligible interns receive a monthly stipend and benefit from the Bank’s health insurance scheme. Applicants must be nationals of an AfDB member country, be currently enrolled in or recently graduated (within 1 year) from a Master’s level degree program, and be not more than thirty (30) years old. The application deadline is November 14, 2025.
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African Development Bank (AfDB) Internship Program 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | African Development Bank (AfDB) |
| Study Abroad | N/A (Professional Internship) |
| Category | Internships |
| Eligible Countries | All African Countries (AfDB Member Countries) |
| Reward | Full Sponsorship |
| Key Criteria | Master’s Level Student/Graduate (within 1 year), Under 30 Years Old, 3-6 Month Duration |
| Application Deadline | November 14, 2025 |
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Internship Program offers a crucial opportunity for highly motivated students to gain professional and practical experience within one of Africa’s leading financial institutions. The program is part of the Bank’s Talent Management Framework, ensuring it directly supports the goals of the Ten-Year Strategy (2023 – 2032) and its development priorities, known as the High 5s (Energy, Agro-business, Industrialization, Integration, and Quality of Life).
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Benefits and Specific Awards of the AfDB Internship Program
The internship provides essential financial and welfare support, ensuring that participants can focus entirely on their professional development during their tenure.
Tier 1: Core Financial Award (Monthly Stipend and Health Coverage)
This tier details the financial and welfare support provided to the accepted Interns.
- Monthly Stipend: Eligible interns are provided with a monthly stipend to support their participation and living expenses throughout the program.
- Health Insurance: Interns benefit from medical insurance coverage paid by the Bank during the period of their internship.
- Visa Assistance: The Bank will use reasonable efforts to assist concerned interns in obtaining their entry and residence visas, though on-site interns are responsible for their own air travel and upkeep.
Tier 2: Core Program Focus and Scope (3 to 6 Months)
This tier highlights the duration, focus areas, and operational flexibility of the program.
- Duration: Internships are granted for a period not less than three (3) months and not more than six (6) months. The internship is authorized only once for any candidate.
- Work Arrangement: Selected interns will perform their internship either remotely or on-site, depending on the specific needs of their respective hiring units. Remote interns must have their own reliable equipment and internet access.
- Strategic Focus Areas: Internship assignments are aligned with the Bank’s strategic priorities and include specialist areas such as:
- Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth
- Agriculture, Human & Social Development
- Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization
- Economics, Statistics, Finance, and Legal
- Human Resources and Corporate Services (IT, Language Services, General Services, etc.)
Tier 3: Program Objectives and Future Recruitment
The program serves a dual purpose: providing high-quality training and acting as a pathway for future employment.
- Professional Experience: The program’s primary objective is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire professional and practical experience relevant to their field of study and the Bank’s mission.
- Talent Pool: The program provides the Bank with a pool of potential candidates for future recruitment purposes, aligning with its wider talent management strategy.
- Competitive Basis: Participants are selected on a competitive basis, based strictly on the business needs of the Bank.
Eligibility Requirements for African Development Bank Internship 2026
To be considered for the AfDB Internship, applicants must meet specific nationality, academic, and age requirements.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Be currently enrolled in a master’s level degree program in a recognized public or private educational institution of higher learning.
- Candidates can apply for an internship within one (1) year of having obtained such a degree.
- Must be fluent in at least one of the Bank’s two working languages (English or French).
- Must be able to use the Bank’s standard software packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access); knowledge of SAP is desirable.
- Must provide a letter from their school confirming enrollment or a copy of the obtained degree.
- Study Status:
- Must have attained the age of majority in their country of nationality or origin.
- Visa Status:
- Must be a national of one of AfDB member countries (All African Countries).
- Must not be more than thirty (30) years old at the time of commencement of the internship program.
How to Apply for AfDB Internship 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process requires careful completion of the online form and submission of all required attachments.
- Visit the AfDB Internship Application Page: Click on the button below to be directed to the official AfDB Internship application portal.
- Fill and Upload: Apply for the internship by filling the complete online application form and uploading all required attachments.
- Submit CV: Applicants must submit a concise Curriculum Vitae (CV), along with any additional documents that may be stated as required.
- Completion Requirement: Applicants will only be considered if they submit a complete online application and attach a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Application Deadline: November 14, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the duration of the African Development Bank Internship Program?
The internship is granted for a period of not less than three (3) months and not more than six (6) months.
2. What financial and health benefits are provided to the interns?
Eligible interns receive a monthly stipend to support their living expenses and benefit from the Bank’s health insurance coverage for the duration of the internship.
3. What is the maximum age limit for applicants?
Applicants must be not more than thirty (30) years old (30) at the time the internship commences.
4. Must I be currently enrolled in a Master’s program to apply?
You must be currently enrolled in a Master’s level degree program or have obtained such a degree within one (1) year of applying.
5. What are the language requirements for the AfDB Internship?
Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the Bank’s two working languages: English or French.
6. Can I apply for the internship more than once?
No, the internship is authorized only once for any candidate.
7. What are the AfDB’s High 5s strategic focus areas?
The High 5s are: Energy, Agro-business, Industrialization, Integration, and Improving the Quality of Life for the people of Africa.
8. Are non-African citizens eligible to apply for the internship?
No, applicants must be nationals of one of the AfDB member countries (which are African countries).
9. Are interns required to work on-site, or can they work remotely?
Interns may be required to perform their internship remotely or on-site, depending on the business needs of the hiring unit.
10. What specific software skill is desirable for candidates?
Knowledge of SAP is desirable, in addition to proficiency in standard software packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
