World Bank Africa Fellowship Program 2027
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Six-Month Fully Funded Fellowship for PhD Candidates and Recent Graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa
Applications are now open for the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2027, offering outstanding PhD candidates and recent graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa a six-month fellowship at World Bank offices in Washington, D.C. or country offices. Apply before 25 August 2026.
About the Organizer
The World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the world's largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. With a mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, the WBG provides financial products, policy advice, and technical assistance to help countries address their development challenges.
The Africa Fellowship Program was launched in 2013 by Makhtar Diop, then World Bank Africa Vice President, to build a strong pipeline of African talent interested in careers in development. Since its inception, the programme has successfully placed scholars in international institutions, African governments, think tanks, and academia .
About the Programme
The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program targets young talented African nationals who are completing or have recently completed their PhD in areas relevant to the World Bank's work. The programme offers selected fellows a six-month assignment at WBG offices to gain hands-on experience in development operations, research, and policymaking .
Fellows contribute to knowledge generation and dissemination, design of global and country policies, and the building of institutions to achieve inclusive growth in developing countries. The programme aims to strengthen Africa's research and policymaking capacity while contributing to poverty reduction and shared prosperity across the continent .
Quick Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program |
| Organizer | World Bank Group (WBG) |
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded Fellowship |
| Funding Type | Full Funding (Consultant Fees, Travel, Insurance) |
| Eligible Applicants | PhD candidates (final year) and recent PhD graduates (within 3 years) |
| Location | Washington, D.C., USA or World Bank Country Offices |
| Duration | 6 Months (Starting January 2027) |
| Deadline | 25 August 2026 |
| Status | Applications Open |
Opportunity Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | World Bank Group (WBG) |
| Programme | Africa Fellowship Program |
| Programme Type | Research Fellowship |
| Funding Category | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | PhD candidates (final year) and recent PhD graduates (within 3 years) from Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Location | Washington, D.C. or WBG Country Offices |
| Application Mode | Online |
Programme Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Consultant Fees | Fellows are hired as Extended Term Consultants (ETCs) with professional compensation |
| Travel | Round-trip economy class airfare to Washington, D.C. or WBG country office |
| Insurance | Worker's compensation insurance provided |
| Professional Experience | Hands-on experience in development operations, research, and policymaking |
| Research Access | Access to quality data for research work |
| Expert Interaction | Opportunity to interact with seasoned development experts |
| Networking | Build professional networks with WBG experts, government officials, and researchers |
| Career Development | Publication opportunities for high-standard research papers |
Programme Objectives
| Objective | Status/Details |
|---|---|
| Build Research Capacity | Strengthen African research and policymaking capacity |
| Hands-On Experience | Gain practical experience in development operations |
| Knowledge Generation | Contribute to research and knowledge dissemination |
| Policy Design | Support design of global and country policies |
| Talent Pipeline | Build pipeline of African professionals for development careers |
| Diversity | Encourage women researchers to apply |
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | National of a Sub-Saharan African country |
| Academic Status | Enrolled in final year of PhD programme OR completed PhD within the last three years |
| Age | 32 years or younger as of 1 January 2027 |
| Language | Excellent written and spoken English |
| Skills | Strong quantitative, analytical, and research skills |
| Fields | Economics, applied statistics, econometrics, impact evaluation, education, health, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, demography, forced displacement, and all relevant development fields |
Eligible Countries
Open to nationals of all Sub-Saharan African countries.
Required Documents
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application Form | Mandatory | To provide personal and academic details |
| CV/Resume | Mandatory | To showcase academic and professional background |
| Academic Transcripts | Mandatory | To verify PhD enrolment or completion |
| Research Proposal/Statement | Mandatory | To outline research interests and goals |
| References | Optional | Academic or professional recommendations |
Selection Process
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Phase I: Shortlisting | Applications reviewed and shortlisted candidates matched with relevant WBG units based on specialization |
| Phase II: Final Selection | Final selection in consultation with WBG departments; shortlisted candidates informed of their status |
| Appointment | Successful candidates hired as Extended Term Consultants (ETCs) for six months |
| Fellowship Start | January 2027 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 15 July 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 25 August 2026 |
| Selection Period | September – November 2026 |
| Fellowship Commences | January 2027 |
| Fellowship Duration | Six Months |
Why You Should Apply
The World Bank Africa Fellowship offers a transformative opportunity to gain world-class professional experience at one of the world's leading international development institutions. Fellows contribute directly to projects that support economic growth, institutional development, and poverty reduction across developing countries .
Through practical work experience and professional mentorship, participants build valuable networks with World Bank experts, government officials, researchers, and development practitioners. Many alumni have gone on to pursue successful careers in international organisations, government institutions, research centres, universities, and policy think tanks .
Career Opportunities After Completion
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| International Development | Careers at World Bank Group, UN agencies, and other development institutions |
| Government | Policy-making and advisory roles in African governments |
| Academia | Research and teaching positions at universities |
| Think Tanks | Research and policy analysis roles |
| Research Institutions | Development research and impact evaluation |
| Development Finance | Careers in development finance institutions |
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| PhD Candidates | Ideal for those in final year of doctoral studies |
| Recent PhD Graduates | Suitable for those who completed PhD within last three years |
| African Scholars | Designed specifically for Sub-Saharan African nationals |
| Women Researchers | Strongly encouraged to apply |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| WBG Africa Fellowship | Very High |
Important Links
| Description | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Now | |
| World Bank Group |
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the World Bank Africa Fellowship? | A six-month fully funded fellowship for PhD candidates and recent graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa to gain experience at the World Bank. |
| Who can apply? | Nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries who are in the final year of their PhD or have graduated within the last three years, aged 32 or younger by 1 January 2027. |
| What does the fellowship cover? | Consultant fees, round-trip airfare, and worker's compensation insurance. |
| Where will the fellowship take place? | At WBG headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at a WBG country office. |
| When does the fellowship start? | January 2027. |
| What is the application deadline? | 25 August 2026. |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Recommendation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| Learning Value | Excellent – hands-on experience at a premier development institution |
| Career Growth | Exceptional – strong pipeline to careers in international development |
| Networking | Outstanding – access to WBG experts and global network |
| Research Impact | Significant – contribute to development research and policymaking |
| Apply Early | Prepare your application now to ensure all documents are complete. Women researchers are strongly encouraged to apply. Good luck! |
Tips to Increase Selection Chances
Align Research: Ensure your PhD research aligns with the World Bank's development priorities and operational work.
Demonstrate Quantitative Skills: Emphasise your quantitative, analytical, and research capabilities.
Highlight Relevance: Clearly articulate how your expertise contributes to poverty reduction and shared prosperity.
Prepare Strong Application: Submit a well-organised CV and a compelling research statement.
Apply Early: Submit your application well before the deadline.
Women Encouraged: Women researchers are strongly encouraged to apply .
Common Mistakes
Missing the Deadline: Ensure you submit your application before 25 August 2026.
Incomplete Documentation: Provide all required documents and information.
Age Requirement: Confirm you are 32 years or younger by 1 January 2027.
Nationality: Verify you are a national of a Sub-Saharan African country.
Academic Status: Ensure you are in the final year of your PhD or have graduated within three years.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program is a highly prestigious and competitive opportunity for African PhD candidates and recent graduates. With applications opening on 15 July 2026 and closing on 25 August 2026, prospective applicants should prepare their materials well in advance .
The programme is particularly suitable for scholars whose research aligns with the World Bank's development priorities, including economics, public policy, health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. Women researchers are strongly encouraged to apply as part of the WBG's commitment to diversity and inclusion . Given the programme's success since 2013 and the strong competition, applicants should ensure their research demonstrates practical relevance to African development challenges. We recommend crafting a clear research statement that connects your expertise to the World Bank's mission of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity .
