The World Bank Group has officially opened applications for its 2027 Africa Fellowship Program, inviting Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa to apply for a fully funded six-month fellowship aimed at developing the next generation of African development experts. Applications opened on 15 July 2026 and will close on 25 August 2026.
The annual fellowship provides selected participants with the opportunity to work at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at one of its country offices, where they gain practical experience in development research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations. The program seeks to strengthen Africa's research capacity while building a pipeline of professionals committed to tackling poverty and promoting sustainable development across the continent.
"The program aims to build the capacity of the next generation of African scholars in development research and policymaking while promoting the goals of reducing poverty in the region."
The fellowship is open to nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries who are either in the final year of their Ph.D. studies or have completed a doctoral degree within the last three years. Applicants must demonstrate excellent analytical and quantitative skills, possess strong written and spoken English, and be 32 years of age or younger as of 1 January 2027. Women are particularly encouraged to apply as part of the World Bank's commitment to increasing gender representation in international development.
Successful fellows will be appointed as Extended Term Consultants (ETCs) for six months beginning in January 2027. During the fellowship, participants will collaborate with World Bank economists, policy specialists, and technical experts on projects addressing critical development issues such as economic growth, infrastructure, climate resilience, governance, education, health, agriculture, and digital transformation.
Unlike traditional academic fellowships, the program combines research with practical policy implementation. Fellows contribute to the design of development projects, analytical reports, technical assistance programs, and lending operations while gaining first-hand experience of how international financial institutions support governments in addressing development challenges.
The selection process consists of two stages. In the first phase, applications are reviewed and shortlisted based on candidates' academic backgrounds and areas of specialization. Shortlisted candidates are then matched with relevant departments across the World Bank Group. Final selections are made in consultation with these departments before successful applicants receive formal fellowship offers. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted during the recruitment process.
Selected fellows will spend six months gaining hands-on experience while contributing to research, economic policy, technical assistance and lending operations that support the World Bank's mission of reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity.
Since its launch, the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program has supported hundreds of young African scholars, many of whom have gone on to build careers within international organizations, government institutions, universities, research centers, and policy think tanks. The initiative has become an important platform for strengthening African expertise in development economics and public policy while creating opportunities for emerging researchers to influence policymaking at both national and international levels.
For African researchers seeking international experience, the fellowship provides more than professional exposure. Participants gain access to one of the world's largest development institutions, expand their professional networks, and acquire practical skills that can be applied to addressing development challenges across the continent. The program also reinforces the World Bank Group's broader commitment to investing in African talent and supporting locally driven solutions to economic and social development.
Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare the required academic documents and submit their applications before the 25 August 2026 deadline. As competition for the fellowship is expected to be high, eligible candidates are advised to apply early and ensure their research interests align with the World Bank Group's development priorities.