Applications are now open for the Fully Funded Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship 2026 at African Development Bank (AfDB). Banking Program for African Professionals in Côte d’Ivoire
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program 2026 is an exclusive, fully funded professional development opportunity designed to nurture Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders.
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Hosted at the African Development Bank (AfDB) headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, this prestigious fellowship grants exceptional young and mid-career African professionals the chance to work at the highest strategic levels of one of the continent’s most influential financial institutions. Fellows receive direct mentorship from AfDB’s senior executives, gaining invaluable, hands-on insights into governance, strategic planning, and policy development—core skills needed to shape Africa’s sustainable future.
Fellowship Overview Summary
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship is a specialized, one-year professional and capacity-building program. It is strictly designated to develop African leaders who can drive positive change and economic progress within their home countries by blending practical experience and high-level policy exposure.
This leadership fellowship aligns with two core qualifications:
- Nationality & Experience: The award is bestowed exclusively upon African nationals with a Master’s degree and a minimum of seven years of professional experience, focusing on young and mid-career professionals.
- Subject Alignment: Candidates must demonstrate experience related to the AfDB’s High 5 priorities, which drive the continent’s development agenda.
| Program Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | African Development Bank (AfDB) |
| Location | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire |
| Category | Fully Funded | Fellowship |
| Eligible Countries | African Students |
| Reward | Annual Stipend, Travel/Mission Expenses, Medical |
| Duration | 12 months (Non-renewable) |
| Application Deadline | 20 November 2025 |
Grasping this core distinction is the initial, mandatory step in formulating a focused and highly effective application strategy.
Advantages of Receiving The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship
Securing the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship provides unparalleled high-level exposure and institutional support critical for accelerated professional development within the African development sector. The resulting benefits profoundly affect the recipient’s strategic vision, policy capacity, and longterm career trajectory.
The leadership program offers the following primary advantages:
- Comprehensive Funding: The fellowship is fully financed by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, covering an annual stipend (paid monthly by AfDB), travel and mission-related expenses, and support for medical, child education, and retirement arrangements.
- High-Level Mentorship: Fellows have the unique opportunity to work closely with AfDB leadership, including the President and senior executives, gaining direct, invaluable policy experience.
- Capacity Building: The program is explicitly designed to build leadership capacity and policy experience in Africa’s top development institution, strengthening the ability to lead effectively in both public and private sectors.
- Strategic Exposure: Fellows gain a deep understanding of development challenges and a strong commitment to improving governance across the continent.
- Networking: The fellowship provides a vital platform to build a powerful network among AfDB staff, senior African policymakers, and fellow emerging leaders.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship is awarded through a competitive selection process favouring highly specific nationality, age, academic achievement, and professional experience requirements. To maximize your success, you must diligently review the requisites and tailor your submission to emphasize your qualifications in the following critical areas.
1. Nationality and Age
The applicant’s citizenship and age must conform to strict guidelines.
- Citizenship Requirement: Applicants must be nationals of an African country (dual nationality is not accepted).
- Age Limit: Candidates must be under 40 years old at the deadline (or under 45 years for women with children).
2. Academic and Professional History
The applicant must possess specific academic qualifications and substantial, relevant work experience.
- Education: Applicants must possess at least a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., banking, business, economics, finance, social sciences, international development, or related fields aligned with the Bank’s operations).
- Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience related to AfDB’s High 5 priorities:
- Lighting up and powering Africa
- Feeding Africa
- Industrializing Africa
- Integrating Africa
- Improving the quality of life for the people of Africa
- Skills: Applicants must demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills, along with proven ability in policy formulation, project execution, and strategic planning.
3. Exclusionary Restrictions
Specific conditions that will immediately disqualify a candidate:
- AfDB Affiliation: Must not be a current or former staff member of AfDB, nor have close family relations with one.
- Political/Military Status: Government officials, active military personnel, and political party leaders are not eligible for consideration.
Application Process (Step by Step Guide)
Securing the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship requires extreme precision in documentation and submission via the official AfDB career portal. Diligently following this detailed application process step-by-step will dramatically elevate your success rate.
Step 1: Portal Access and Document Preparation
Initiate the process by accessing the official career portal and compiling the core documents.
- Access Portal: Apply online exclusively through the AfDB career portal.
- CV Compilation: Submit a comprehensive CV that clearly includes your date of birth, nationality, education, and professional experience (ensuring the 7-year minimum is evident).
- Academic Proof: Attach your academic transcripts (Master’s level and above).
Step 2: Supporting Documentation and Submission
Secure external endorsements and finalize the online submission.
- Recommendation Letters: Attach three recommendation letters from professional or academic referees who can attest to your leadership potential and experience.
- Final Submission: Complete all sections of the online application form and submit before the non-negotiable deadline of 20 November 2025.
Step 3: Selection and Notification Phases
The selection process involves three distinct stages managed by both the AfDB and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
- Initial Screening: AfDB HR conducts an initial screening to shortlist ten (10) candidates based on eligibility and alignment with the Bank’s priorities.
- Foundation Review: The shortlisted candidates undergo a detailed review by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
- Final Selection: The AfDB President or a designate makes the final selection of three (3) top candidates for the Fellowship.
Important Notes on Fellowship Outcome
The program is a capacity-building fellowship, not a guaranteed employment contract.
- Non-Renewal: The Fellowship is strictly non-renewable and lasts for 12 months.
- No Guaranteed Employment: The program does not guarantee employment at the African Development Bank upon completion.
- Post-Fellowship Restriction: Fellows cannot apply for AfDB staff positions for one year after completing the program to ensure the focus remains on the fellowship’s developmental goals.
- Encouragement for Women: The AfDB is an equal opportunity employer; women are strongly encouraged to apply for this program.
Application Deadline: 20 November 2025.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Winning Scholarships
It is understandable to have many questions regarding how to secure the financial aid necessary for your education. We have addressed some of the most common and critical queries to bring further clarity to the process of obtaining this prestigious leadership position.
Q1: Is this a scholarship for a degree or a professional program?
This is a professional leadership development program (a fellowship), not an academic degree program. Candidates must, however, hold at least a Master’s degree to be eligible.
Q2: What are the age restrictions for applicants?
Candidates must be under 40 years old at the application deadline. This limit is extended to under 45 years old for women with children.
Q3: What is the minimum professional experience required?
Applicants must have a minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in areas related to the AfDB’s High 5 priorities.
Q4: Are applicants with dual nationality from an African country and a non-African country eligible?
No. Applicants must be nationals of an African country, and dual nationality is explicitly not accepted.
Q5: What happens after the 12-month fellowship ends?
The fellowship is non-renewable and does not guarantee employment. Fellows are restricted from applying for AfDB staff positions for one year after completing the program.
