World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026 | Fully Funded Opportunity for African PhD Scholars
The World Bank Group (WBG) has officially opened applications for the prestigious 2026 Africa Fellowship Program, targeting outstanding PhD candidates and recent doctoral graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative is designed to foster African leadership in global development, particularly in research and policy analysis.
As part of the World Bank’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equality, the program places a strong focus on encouraging applications from African women scholars. This fully funded fellowship offers participants a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of development, policy, and economic reform through direct involvement in World Bank projects.
Program Overview
The WBG Africa Fellowship Program is tailored for emerging African scholars in the final stages of their PhD or within three years post-completion. Open exclusively to nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries, the program provides selected fellows with a 6-month placement at either the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C. or at one of its country offices.
During the fellowship, participants will:
- Contribute to economic and development research
- Participate in policy formulation and operational work
- Engage in technical assistance and lending operations
- Collaborate on projects aligned with the World Bank’s mission to reduce poverty and promote shared prosperity
Fellows will gain hands-on experience in real-world policy and development work, sharpening their analytical skills while building an international professional network.
Fellowship Objectives & Long-Term Impact
The Africa Fellowship Program is a key talent pipeline for the World Bank Group. It aims to:
- Equip African scholars with practical policy experience
- Develop future leaders in global development
- Ensure African perspectives are embedded in development discourse
Past fellows have gone on to excel in careers with African governments, multilateral organizations, think tanks, academia, and the private sector, making significant contributions to regional and global development efforts.
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Eligibility Criteria (2026 Cohort)
To apply, candidates must:
- Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Be pursuing a PhD or have earned a doctorate within the past three years
- Be under 32 years old at the time of application deadline
- Have strong analytical and quantitative research skills
- Demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English
Applicants are encouraged to align their expertise with the World Bank’s priority areas, such as:
- Economics & Public Policy
- Education & Health
- Infrastructure & Urban Development
- Agriculture & Food Security
- Governance, Climate Change, and Environment
Selection Process
The selection process consists of two stages:
Phase 1: Shortlisting
Qualified applications are reviewed, and a shortlist is created based on candidates’ academic credentials and research alignment with WBG goals.
Phase 2: Final Selection
WBG hiring units select finalists from the shortlist. Selected fellows are offered short-term consultant contracts and must be available to begin their assignments in January 2026.
Fellowship Benefits
- Consultant-level compensation
- Fully covered round-trip economy airfare
- Placement at either the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., or a regional/country office
- Access to world-class development professionals, research tools, and policy networks
This program presents an invaluable springboard for young African researchers to scale their careers while contributing to impactful global work.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: July 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: August 25, 2025
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early and ensure all requirements are met.
Apply via the Official WBG Application Portal
Learn from Past Fellows
To understand the program’s potential, applicants can read testimonials and career outcomes of former WBG Africa Fellows. Many have gone on to influence development policy at local, national, and international levels.
