2026 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program
Overview
Established in 2006, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation is committed to promoting good governance and exceptional leadership across Africa. The Foundation’s objectives are to:
-
Stimulate debate on governance and leadership in Africa;
-
Provide benchmarks for assessing progress in governance;
-
Recognize excellence in African leadership and support leaders in building positive legacies post-tenure;
-
Empower and support the next generation of African leaders.
The Foundation is funding the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship at the African Development Bank (AfDB). The Fellow will be based at the Bank’s Headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, or another designated location where the Bank operates.
The Fellowship is a prestigious, highly selective program designed to cultivate emerging African leaders by providing them with practical, senior-level exposure within a prominent multilateral development institution. The Fellow will work closely with the Bank for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months, during which they will gain insight into development policy and leadership in Africa.
Contract Terms and Duration
-
The Fellow will receive an annual stipend, paid monthly by the Bank using funds provided by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
-
Official mission travel (excluding relocation and repatriation costs) will be covered by the Bank.
-
The Fellow must sign a contract with the Bank before beginning the assignment.
-
During the fellowship, the Fellow will be governed by the Bank’s Staff Rules and Regulations, but will not be considered a Bank employee.
-
There is no obligation or expectation of employment with the Bank following the Fellowship. Additionally, the Fellow will not be eligible for Bank employment for one (1) year after the conclusion of the Fellowship.
-
The Fellow will not be eligible for the Bank’s staff benefits such as medical insurance, retirement, or child education plans.
-
The Foundation will ensure the Fellow has their own health, education, and retirement arrangements.
-
Travel and relocation costs (assumption of duty and repatriation) will be covered by the Foundation.
For more details, visit: Mo Ibrahim Foundation Fellowships
Duties and Responsibilities
The Ibrahim Fellow will work under the guidance of the President of the Bank, the Senior Vice President, the Chief of Staff, and/or their designated representative. Responsibilities include:
-
Designing and implementing innovative approaches to key strategic issues aligned with the Bank’s mission.
-
Conducting research and policy analysis on strategic and emerging issues relevant to the Bank’s goals.
-
Assisting in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the Bank’s initiatives and drafting briefs or reports.
-
Participating in high-level meetings and preparing materials for the President’s engagements.
-
Performing other duties as assigned by senior leadership
Selection Criteria
The 2026 Fellowship prioritizes candidates with expertise aligned to the Bank’s High 5 strategic areas:
-
Lighting up and powering Africa
-
Feeding Africa
-
Industrializing Africa
-
Integrating Africa
-
Improving the quality of life for the people of Africa
Key Qualifications:
-
National of an African country (residing anywhere in the world)
-
Not currently or previously employed by AfDB (active, non-active, or retired)
-
No immediate family relationship with a current or former AfDB staff member (e.g., parent, sibling)
-
Government officials, military personnel, and political party leaders are not eligible
-
Age limit:
-
Up to 40 years for men and women
-
Up to 45 years for women with children
-
-
Outstanding academic record with a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., banking, business, economics, finance, international development, or related social sciences)
-
Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience
-
Strong leadership, strategic planning, project execution, and analytical skills
-
Ability to communicate and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
-
Proven ability to manage multiple projects and work in diverse environments
Application Process
-
Apply online via the African Development Bank careers portal:
https://www.afdb.org/en/vacancy/2026-mo-ibrahim-foundation-leadership-fellowship-program-86981 -
Application deadline: November 20, 2025
-
Required documents:
-
Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) including date of birth, nationality, education, and work experience
-
Academic transcripts
-
Three (3) letters of recommendation
-
Selection Process:
-
The AfDB Human Resources Department will conduct an initial screening to shortlist ten (10) candidates.
-
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation will review the shortlist and submit three (3) finalists to the President of the Bank for final selection.
-
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Also Read;
