Courses & Scholarships Announcement – Côte d'Ivoire AfDB Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Courses & Scholarships Announcement – Côte d'Ivoire AfDB Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Company: AfDB / Mo Ibrahim Foundation

About the Fellowship

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious professional program hosted at the African Development Bank (AfDB) headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. It aims to nurture Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders. Fellows gain hands-on experience, mentorship from senior executives, and exposure to governance, strategic planning, and policy development at one of Africa’s leading development institutions.

Since 2006, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation has supported governance and leadership excellence across Africa. This Fellowship provides emerging African leaders with the skills and networks to drive sustainable development and economic progress in their home countries.

Degree Level

• Professional Leadership Fellowship (non-academic)

• Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., banking, business, economics, finance, social sciences, international development, or related areas)

Available Subjects

All subjects related to AfDB’s operations and priorities

Benefits

• Fully funded 12-month fellowship

• Monthly stipend paid by AfDB

• Travel and mission-related expenses covered

• Medical, child education, and retirement arrangements supported

• Mentorship and work experience with AfDB leadership, including the President and senior executives

• Leadership development and policy experience at Africa’s top development institution

Eligible Nationalities

• Open to nationals of African countries only

• Dual nationality is not accepted

Eligibility Criteria

• Be an African national

• Under 40 years old (women with children: under 45)

• Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline

• Minimum seven (7) years of professional experience aligned with AfDB’s High 5 priorities:

  1. Lighting up and powering Africa

  2. Feeding Africa

  3. Industrializing Africa

  4. Integrating Africa

  5. Improving the quality of life for Africa’s people

• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills

• Proven ability in policy formulation, project execution, and strategic planning

• Must not be current/former AfDB staff or have close family ties to staff

• Government officials, active military personnel, and political party leaders are not eligible

Application Procedure

1. Apply online via the AfDB career portal

2. Submit CV, academic transcripts, and three recommendation letters

3. Application Deadline: 20 November 2025

4. Selection Process:

   • Initial screening by AfDB HR

   • Review by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation

   • Final selection of three candidates by AfDB President

Important Notes:

• Fellowship is non-renewable

• Does not guarantee employment at AfDB

• Fellows cannot apply for AfDB staff positions for one year after completion