Application Deadline: August 25, 2026.
Are you a young African researcher looking to gain international experience with one of the world’s leading development institutions? The World Bank Africa Fellowship Program 2027 is now accepting applications from exceptional Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa.
The fellowship provides a unique opportunity to spend six months working with the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C., USA, or selected country offices. Fellows will contribute to impactful development projects, research, and policy initiatives while receiving comprehensive financial support.
If you’re passionate about tackling Africa’s development challenges and building a career in international development, this fellowship is an excellent opportunity to learn from global experts and expand your professional network.
World Bank Africa Fellowship Program 2027 Summary
| Details | Information |
| Host Country | United States of America (USA) |
| Study Abroad | Study in USA |
| Program Type | Training | Fellowship |
| Host Organization | World Bank Group (WBG) |
| Eligible Countries | Sub-Saharan African Countries |
| Duration | Six (6) Months |
| Location | Washington, D.C., USA (or selected WBG Country Offices) |
| Benefits | Fully Sponsored Fellowship, Professional Training, Attractive Allowances |
| Application Deadline | August 25, 2026 |
About the World Bank Africa Fellowship Program
The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program is designed to identify and nurture talented young African researchers with strong academic backgrounds and a passion for development.
Since its launch, the fellowship has helped build a pipeline of highly skilled African professionals who have gone on to contribute to governments, international organizations, universities, think tanks, and development institutions across Africa and beyond.
Successful applicants will spend six months collaborating with World Bank experts on projects involving:
- Development research
- Economic policy analysis
- Technical assistance
- Lending operations
- Institutional development
- Knowledge creation and dissemination
The fellowship offers participants invaluable exposure to global development practices while allowing them to contribute meaningfully to poverty reduction and sustainable development initiatives.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- Full sponsorship for the six-month fellowship
- Placement at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C., or an assigned country office
- Competitive consultant remuneration
- Round-trip travel support
- Exposure to world-class development projects
- Professional mentoring from leading economists and development experts
- Opportunities to build global professional networks
- Hands-on experience in international development operations
- Additional attractive allowances and benefits provided by the World Bank Group
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the World Bank Africa Fellowship Program, applicants must:
- Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Be enrolled in the final year of a Ph.D. program or have completed a Ph.D. within the past three years
- Be 32 years old or younger as of January 1, 2027
- Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English proficiency
- Possess strong analytical and quantitative research skills
- Have research interests aligned with the World Bank’s development priorities
The World Bank strongly encourages female candidates to apply.
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of two stages:
Phase One
Applications are reviewed, and qualified candidates are shortlisted based on their academic background, research interests, and specialization.
Phase Two
Shortlisted candidates are matched with relevant World Bank departments. Final fellows are selected after consultations with participating units.
Successful applicants will begin their six-month fellowship in January 2027.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare documents such as:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Ph.D. enrollment or graduation evidence
- Academic transcripts (where required)
- Research statement
- Supporting documents requested in the online application portal
Always refer to the official application portal for the complete documentation requirements.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program application portal before the deadline.
Official Application Portal:
World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program Application
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Application Deadline
Deadline: August 25, 2026
