The World Bank Group (WBG) Africa Region has opened applications for the 2026 World Bank Africa Fellowship Program for interested and qualified Sub-Saharan Africans.
The World Bank Africa Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity offering full sponsorship to Washington D.C., along with other attractive allowances for selected fellows to gain hands-on experience in development research and policymaking.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States of America
- Category: Training | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan Africa Countries
- Reward: Full Sponsorship to Washington D.C. | Other attractive allowances
- Deadline: August 25, 2025
Scholarship Details
The World Bank Africa Fellowship targets young, talented African nationals who are completing or have recently completed their Ph.D. in areas relevant to the World Bank’s work. The program has been highly successful since its inception, building a strong pipeline of young African talent interested in careers in development within international institutions, African governments, think tanks, and academia.
Through this fellowship, selected fellows undertake a six-month assignment at WBG offices in Washington D.C. or in country offices to gain practical experience in the operations of the World Bank Group. Fellows contribute to research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations that align with the WBG’s mission of eliminating poverty and promoting shared prosperity.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the World Bank Africa Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be a recent Ph.D. graduate (within three years of completion) or be enrolled in the last year of the Ph.D. program
- Have an excellent command of English, both written and verbal
- Possess strong quantitative and analytical skills
- Be under the age of 32 by the closing of the application period
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the World Bank Africa Fellowship will receive:
- Consultant fees
- Round-trip economy-class air travel to Washington, D.C. or a WBG country office
- Hands-on experience at the WBG headquarters in Washington, D.C. or a country office for six months
- Opportunity to work on research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations contributing to the WBG’s goals of eliminating poverty and increasing shared prosperity
Required Documents
To apply for this fellowship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Proof of Ph.D. completion or evidence of enrollment in the final year of Ph.D. program
- Evidence of strong quantitative and analytical skills
- Proof of age (to confirm eligibility under age limit)
- Documentation of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Any additional documentation relevant to research interests or experience
Additional Note
The following additional attributes are highly desirable:
- A command of an additional World Bank official language
- Nationality from fragile and conflict-affected countries
- Candidates from refugee and internally displaced communities and/or with proven experience on forced displacement
The selection process consists of two phases:
- In the first phase, a shortlist of candidates will be made available for hire in various WBG units, depending on applicants’ specializations. Applicants will be notified of the status of their applications or whether they have been shortlisted.
- In the second phase, the final list of fellows will be selected in consultation with the various WBG units. Once the selection is complete, all shortlisted candidates will be informed of their selection status.
How to Apply
To apply for the World Bank Africa Fellowship 2026:
- Visit the fellowship webpage
- Proceed to the application link
- Fill out the form and submit before the deadline
- Kindly wait for feedback
To begin the fellowship application process, click HERE
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