The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is accepting applications for three of the most prestigious fellowship placements available to African professionals anywhere in the world. Each selected fellow spends 12 months working at the executive level of a major multilateral institution, earning a $100,000 annual stipend while shaping the policies and programs that determine Africa’s development trajectory.
About the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship
Established in 2011 by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the program was created to identify and mentor the next generation of outstanding African leaders by embedding them directly inside the institutions that drive continental and global development. Three fellows are selected annually, one each for the African Development Bank in Abidjan, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, and the International Trade Centre in Geneva. Fellows gain both technical and leadership skills, contribute directly to research and policy design, and benefit from personal mentorship from the executive heads of their host organizations. Upon completing the program, fellows join the Now Generation Network, through which they continue contributing to Africa’s development long after the fellowship year ends.
Funding Size
- Annual stipend: $100,000
- Official mission travel and insurance covered
- Duration: 12 months, non-renewable
- No presumption of permanent employment at the host institution after the fellowship
Who Can Apply
- Nationals of an African country, residing anywhere in the world
- Holders of a master’s degree in a relevant field
- Minimum of seven years of relevant work experience
- Under 40 years of age on the application deadline
- Women with children may apply up to age 45
- Additional criteria as specified by each host institution apply
Geographic Eligibility
- Open to nationals of all African countries, residing anywhere in the world
- Placement locations are Abidjan, Addis Ababa, and Geneva
Sector or Thematic Focus
- African economic development, trade, and policy
- Institutional leadership and multilateral governance
- Research, strategy, and policy design at continental level
- Private sector development and international trade facilitation
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Application Process
Applications are submitted separately through the official vacancy portals of each host institution. Applicants must apply to the specific host organization they wish to join. Separate application forms and processes apply for the AfDB, UNECA, and ITC. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be reviewed under any circumstances.
Required Materials
- Completed online application form through the relevant host institution portal
- Master’s degree certificate
- Evidence of at least seven years of relevant professional experience
- Documentation confirming African nationality
- Additional materials as specified by each host institution
Key Dates
- Application period: 21 September to 20 November 2026
- Application deadline: 20 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. host institution local time
- Fellowship start: 2027
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Selection Notes
- Only three fellowships are awarded globally per year, one per host institution; competition is exceptionally strong
- Applicants must apply directly to the host institution of their choice; there is no central Mo Ibrahim Foundation application
- Fellows are not eligible for recruitment as permanent staff at the host institution for one year after the fellowship ends
- Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection