The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is inviting applications for the 2026 Leadership Fellowship Program. The Fellowship provides young African professionals with the opportunity to work directly in the executive offices of leading international institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan or the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva.
Selected fellows will receive a fully funded package with an annual stipend of $100,000, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
Fellowship Summary
- Host: Mo Ibrahim Foundation
- Category: Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Reward: $100,000 Stipend | Training | Mentorship
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: November 20, 2025
Fellowship Details
The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships were established in 2011 to nurture a new generation of exceptional African leaders. This 12-month fellowship provides fellows with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to high-level research, policy design, and executive decision-making while gaining both technical and leadership expertise.
A unique feature of the program is the chance to receive direct mentorship from the heads of the host organizations, ensuring fellows benefit from personalized guidance and professional exposure. Fellows also automatically join the Now Generation Network (NGN), a community of emerging African leaders committed to contributing their skills, knowledge, and insights toward building a better Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be nationals of an African country
- Possess a minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience
- Hold a Master’s degree
- Be under the age of 40, or under 45 for women with children
- Meet any additional requirements set by the host institution
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship will receive:
- An annual stipend of $100,000
- One-year placement in the executive offices of the AfDB (Abidjan) or ITC (Geneva)
- Leadership training and direct mentorship
- Networking opportunities through the Now Generation Network (NGN)
Required Documents
Applicants will be expected to provide:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant work experience
- Proof of academic qualifications (Master’s degree certificate)
- A valid means of identification (Passport/National ID)
- Any additional documents as required by the host institution
How to Apply
To apply for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship:
- Visit the official fellowship application webpage
- Submit all required documents before the deadline
- Kindly await feedback after submission
To begin your application, click HERE
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