World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program (Fully-funded and open to all Africans)
Africa Fellowship Program
The Africa region of the World Bank Group (WBG) is open for applications for the 2025 WBG Africa Fellowship Program for Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates who are nationals of Sub-Saharan Africa. Women are especially encouraged to apply. This fellowship aims to build the capacity of the next generation of African change makers in development research and policymaking, promoting the goals of reducing poverty in the region.
Fellowship Details
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a recent Ph.D. graduate (within three years of completion) or be enrolled in the last year of a Ph.D. program.
- Have an excellent command of English, both written and verbal.
- Possess strong quantitative and analytical skills.
- Be 32 or under the age of 32 by January 2025.
Program Benefits:
If accepted, fellows will:
- Spend six months gaining hands-on experience at WBG headquarters in Washington D.C. or a country office. The fellowship requires in-person availability from January to June 2025.
- Work on research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations that contribute to the WBG’s goal of eliminating poverty and increasing shared prosperity.
Hear from previous Africa Fellows!
About the WBG Africa Fellowship Program
The program targets young, talented African nationals who are completing or have recently completed their Ph.D. in areas relevant to the World Bank’s work. Since its inception, the fellowship program has successfully built a strong pipeline of young African talent interested in careers in development, international institutions, African governments, think tanks, and academia.
Selected fellows will receive a six-month assignment at WBG offices in Washington D.C. or in country offices, gaining hands-on experience in WBG operations. This includes knowledge generation and dissemination, designing global and country policies, and building institutions to achieve inclusive growth in developing countries. Fellows will work on research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations, contributing to the World Bank’s mission of eliminating poverty and increasing shared prosperity.
Selection Process
Phase I: A shortlist of candidates will be selected and made available for hire by different units of the WBG, depending on the applicants’ field of specialization and interest. Applicants will be notified about the status of their application and whether they have been shortlisted.
Phase II: The final list of fellows will be selected in consultation with various units of the WBG. Shortlisted candidates will be informed of their selection status. Selected candidates will be hired as short-term consultants for six months starting January 2025.
Fellows are eligible to receive consultant fees and round-trip economy-class air travel to Washington, D.C., or a WBG country office.
Applications here: Link to the application
Related Information
APPLY NOW Link to the application
Application period: July 10 – August 25 (11:50pm ET)
Explore the program and prepare to join a network of dedicated professionals working towards impactful development in Africa.
