Deadline: August 25, 2026.

The program targets young talented African nationals who are completing or have recently completed their Ph.D. in an area relevant to the World Bank’s work. The fellowship program has been very successful since its inception in building a strong pipeline of young African talent interested in a career in development, in international institutions, African governments, think tanks, and academia.

The program offers selected fellows a six-month assignment at WBG offices in Washington, D.C. or in country offices to gain hands-on experience in WBG operations. This includes knowledge generation and dissemination, design of global and country policies, and the building of institutions to achieve inclusive growth in developing countries. While benefitting from research and innovation in multiple sectors, fellows will also work on research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations that contribute to the World Bank’s goal of eliminating poverty and increasing shared prosperity. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Be a recent Ph.D. graduate (within three years of completion) or be enrolled in the last year of the Ph.D. program.
• Have an excellent command of English, both written and verbal.
• Possess strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Be of the age of 32 or younger by January 1, 2027.

BENEFITS

If accepted, you will:

• spend six months getting hands-on experience at WBG headquarters in Washington D.C. or a country office.
• work on research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations that contribute to the WBG’s goal of eliminating poverty and increasing shared prosperity.  

Find more information on the OFFICIAL WEBSITE