Are you an aspiring African leader looking to accelerate your career, gain global exposure, and contribute to transformative change on the continent? Applications are now open for the 2026 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship Programme, one of Africa’s most prestigious leadership development opportunities.

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship is a 12-month, highly competitive programme designed to shape the next generation of African leaders. Hosted at top international institutions, the fellowship equips mid-career professionals with the skills, experience, and networks to drive impact and innovation across Africa.

About the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship

Launched by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF), this flagship initiative provides Fellows with hands-on experience at leading African and international organizations. Over the course of one year, Fellows work directly with senior management teams on strategic projects that influence policy and development across the continent.

Past Fellows have backgrounds in economics, governance, international trade, development, peace studies, and conflict resolution. The fellowship not only builds technical and leadership capacity but also creates a pipeline of African leaders ready to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Host Institutions

Each year, three Fellows are selected and placed in world-renowned institutions:

• African Development Bank (AfDB) – Based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, AfDB is Africa’s premier development finance institution.

• International Trade Centre (ITC) – A Geneva-based agency focusing on trade-led development for emerging economies.

• United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) – Headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, UNECA promotes regional integration and sustainable economic development.

Each host institution welcomes one Fellow, offering direct involvement in policy design, strategy, and implementation at the highest levels.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Selected Ibrahim Fellows receive extensive professional and financial support, including:

• Immersive experience in leading African and global institutions.

• Direct mentorship from world leaders and experts.

• Hands-on contribution to impactful projects and policy development.

• Networking opportunities with top professionals and organizations across Africa and beyond.

• Generous annual stipend of $100,000, enabling Fellows to focus fully on their development journey.

Beyond the fellowship year, Fellows also join the Now Generation Network (NGN)—a vibrant community of emerging African leaders dedicated to driving the continent’s progress.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the 2026 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a national of an African country.

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent.

• Have a minimum of 7–10 years of relevant professional experience.

• Be under the age of 40, or under 45 for women with children.

• Meet any additional criteria set by the host institutions (AfDB, ITC, UNECA).

Application Process

Applications for the 2026 cohort are now officially open. Interested candidates must apply directly through the host institutions:

• AfDB
• ITC
• UNECA

🗓 Application Deadline: November 20, 2025

Why Apply?

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship is more than just a professional development opportunity—it is a stepping stone toward shaping Africa’s future. By joining this prestigious programme, Fellows gain access to unparalleled learning, leadership growth, and a platform to make lasting contributions to Africa’s governance and development.

Visit Fellowship website for full details