2026 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme

If you are an ambitious African professional with a strong track record and leadership potential, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme 2026 at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa offers you a unique opportunity. Applications are now open for this highly competitive fellowship that nurtures the next generation of African leaders through mentorship, high-level policy work, and exposure to the functioning of the UN and its member states. Here's everything you need to know.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

• Host: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

• Career Level: Mid-career professionals and executives

• Target Group: African nationals under 40 (women with children under 45) from ECA member states

• Fields of Focus: Economics, Social Sciences, International Development, Business Administration, Law, Finance, Engineering, or other fields relevant to ECA’s mandate

• Award Value: Annual stipend of USD $100,000 (financed by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation)

• Duration: 12 months (non-renewable)

• Application Period: 22 September 2025 – 20 November 2025

• Deadline: 20 November 2025, 23:59 Addis Ababa time (GMT+3)

• Eligible To: Nationals of ECA member states with 7+ years of relevant work experience, strong leadership potential, and advanced academic qualifications

🧭 Fellowship Overview

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship was launched in 2011 to mentor the next generation of exceptional African leaders. Each year, fellows are hosted at one of three major institutions — the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), or the International Trade Centre (ITC).

At ECA, the selected Fellow will:

• Work directly with the Executive Secretary of ECA (or their designated representative) on strategic assignments.

• Gain hands-on experience in designing and implementing policies that support Africa’s governance and development.

• Contribute to research, policy analysis, and advocacy across ECA’s mandate areas — including regional integration, economic diversification, financing for development, peace and security, and global governance.

• Benefit from personal mentorship from senior leaders and access to ECA’s extensive knowledge networks.

Upon completion, Fellows also join the Now Generation Network (NGN), an alumni community of leaders committed to shaping Africa’s future.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

• USD $100,000 stipend paid monthly during the fellowship.

• Mentorship from the Executive Secretary of ECA and senior leadership.

• Direct involvement in policy development and high-level decision-making processes.

• Opportunities to travel for official missions (with related expenses covered by ECA).

• Participation in the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s Annual Governance Forum.

• Membership in the Now Generation Network (NGN), ensuring continued collaboration and leadership opportunities.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Must be a national of an ECA member state.

• Age: Under 40 years by 20 November 2025.

  • Women with children may apply if under 45 years.

• Academic Qualifications: At least a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Economics, Social Sciences, International Development, Business Administration, Law, Finance, or Engineering.

• Professional Experience: Minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience, including:

  • Strategic planning and execution

  • Policy formulation and change management

  • Socioeconomic research and analysis

  • Leadership and organizational skills

  • Experience with African issues (advantageous)

• Languages: Fluency in English or French (working knowledge of the other language is desirable).

• Other Requirements: Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet-based research tools.

📝 Application Procedure

Applicants must submit all required documents by email to: RecruitmentPPost@un.org with the subject line:

ECA 2026 Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship (Last Name, First Name)

🗂️ Required Documents:

1. UN Administrative Profile (AP) created via inspira.un.org, including a cover/motivation letter.

2. Copies of academic degree certificates (Master’s and higher).

3. Three letters of reference/recommendation, addressed to the 2026 ECA Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellow Selection Committee.

4. Proof of completion of the online survey (screenshot in PDF).

5. Applications must be submitted in one single email with all documents in PDF format.

6. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed.

7. Only finalists will be contacted.

📆 Key Dates

• Applications Open: 22 September 2025

• Application Deadline: 20 November 2025 (23:59 Addis Ababa time)

• Fellowship Duration: 12 months (2026 cycle)

🚀 Conclusion

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship at ECA is one of Africa’s most prestigious opportunities for emerging leaders. If you are ready to accelerate your leadership journey and contribute to Africa’s transformation, this is your chance. Apply now!