World Bank Group Opens Applications for the 2027 Africa Fellowship Program

The World Bank Group (WBG) has opened applications for the 2027 Africa Fellowship Program, offering an important opportunity for Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa.

The program is designed to help develop the next generation of African researchers and professionals working in development, public policy, economics, and poverty reduction. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is aimed at talented African researchers who are completing or have recently completed a Ph.D. in a field relevant to the work of the World Bank Group.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country.
• Be enrolled in the final year of a Ph.D. program or have completed a Ph.D. within the past three years.
• Have an excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Be 32 years old or younger as of January 1, 2027.

What Does the Fellowship Offer?

Successful applicants will spend six months working with the World Bank Group, either at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at one of its country offices.

During the fellowship, participants will gain practical experience by working on projects related to:

• development research;
• economic policy;
• technical assistance;
• lending operations;
• knowledge generation and dissemination;
• global and national policy development;
• institutional development and inclusive economic growth.

The experience is intended to give young African scholars a direct understanding of how an international development institution operates and how research can be transformed into practical policies and projects.

Building Africa's Next Generation of Development Experts

Since its launch, the WBG Africa Fellowship Program has helped create a strong pipeline of young African professionals interested in careers in international organizations, African governments, think tanks, research institutions and academia.

Fellows can work alongside World Bank specialists and contribute to projects addressing some of the most important development challenges facing African countries.

The program also provides an opportunity for young researchers to expand their professional networks and gain international experience that can support their future careers.

Selection Process

The selection process will take place in two main stages.

Phase I

A shortlist of qualified candidates will be prepared and shared with different World Bank Group units according to the applicants' academic backgrounds and areas of specialization.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Phase II

The final selection will be made in consultation with the relevant World Bank Group units.

Once the process is completed, shortlisted applicants will be informed of their status. Those selected will then receive an offer and, after accepting it, will work as World Bank consultants for six months starting in January 2027.

Application Deadline

The application period opened on:

July 15, 2026

The deadline to apply is:

August 25, 2026

Candidates interested in the opportunity should review the full eligibility requirements and submit their applications through the official World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program website.

This is a valuable opportunity for young African researchers seeking practical international experience and a potential career in development, public policy, research or international institutions.

https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/brief/world-bank-group-africa-fellowship-program