Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships 2027: $100,000, Apply by 20 November

By DiasporaWorks EditorialOctober 5, 2026

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is recruiting 2027 fellows to work at the AfDB, UNECA and the International Trade Centre. Applications close 20 November 2026.

If you are an African professional in your thirties with a master's degree and solid experience in economics, finance, trade or policy, one of the continent's best-known leadership fellowships is now open. Eligibility is based on nationality, so diaspora professionals can apply from wherever they live.

What's on offer

On 22 September 2026, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation opened applications for its 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships. Fellows spend 12 months inside one of three institutions:

African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva, Switzerland

According to the Foundation, fellows "contribute to research and policy work within their host organisations while receiving direct mentorship from their respective heads." The Foundation's fellowship page lists a $100,000 stipend for the 12-month programme. After the fellowship, participants join the Foundation's Now Generation Network of young African leaders.

Who can apply

The Foundation lists these criteria:

National of an African country
Under 40, or under 45 for women with children
A master's degree
At least 7 years of relevant work experience

The criteria don't include a residence requirement. The AfDB's vacancy notice for its fellowship places is also reported to say that applicants may live anywhere in the world when they apply. The AfDB notice also states that the fellowship is not a regular staff position and does not guarantee a job afterwards.

Key date

Applications close on 20 November 2026. You apply through each host organisation's own recruitment page, not through the Foundation, so read the notice for the host you want carefully. The AfDB notice is available in English and French, and the ECA publishes its fellowship details on its own site.

Why it matters for diaspora professionals

Many Africans abroad want to work on the continent's economic policy but find it hard to get a foot in the door at institutions like the AfDB or ECA. A year inside one of them, with senior mentorship, can lead to a career in development finance, trade policy or government advisory work. It also helps with a move home, or with working on Africa from abroad.

What this means for you

Check your eligibility today. Count your years of relevant experience and confirm your age against the cut-off before you invest time in an application.
Choose your host deliberately. The AfDB suits finance, banking and development economics. The ECA suits policy research and statistics, and the ITC suits trade and small-business development. Shape your motivation statement around that host's work.
Get your documents ready early: an up-to-date CV, degree certificates and referees who can speak to your leadership. Six weeks goes quickly.
Use your languages. The AfDB works in English and French. If you're bilingual, make it obvious.
Plan for the move. It is a 12-month posting in Abidjan, Addis Ababa or Geneva. Think through family, visas and your current job before you're offered a place.
Apply only through the official links below. Ignore anyone who asks for a fee to "process" your application.