World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Jul 26
- 3 min read
If you are a Sub‑Saharan African Ph.D. candidate or recent graduate — applications are now open for The Africa Fellowship Program 2026, announced July 1, 2025, the program invites talented Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates (within three years of completion) from Sub‑Saharan Africa, with special encouragement for women applicants. This fully‑funded six‑month fellowship offers transformative exposure to development research, economic policymaking, and lending operations at the World Bank Group (WBG), aiming to empower the next generation of African development change‑makers
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Washington, D.C. headquarter or a World Bank country office
Host Institution: World Bank Group, Africa Region
Academic Level: Ph.D. candidate or recent Ph.D. graduate (within three years)
Target Group: Nationals of Sub‑Saharan African countries (women especially encouraged)
Fields of Focus: Development economics, public policy, social sciences, climate, health, education, infrastructure, gender, etc. aligned with WBG priorities
Value & Coverage: Consultant fees plus round‑trip economy‑class airfare to Washington or the country office
Award Duration: Six months (January – June 2026)
Application Deadline: August 25, 2025
Applications Launch: July 1, 2025
Eligibility: Sub‑Saharan nationals, age under 32 by deadline, excellent English, strong quantitative/analytical capabilities
✨ Fellowship Overview
The WBG Africa Fellowship Program offers a structured, immersive experience designed to bridge academia and development practice. Selected fellows undertake a six‑month, in‑person consultancy (January–June 2026) at WBG headquarters or a country office. During this period, participants:
Engage in research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations that contribute to poverty reduction and shared prosperity.
Support knowledge generation, global and country policy design, and institution‑building for inclusive growth.
Collaborate across sectors including finance, education, health, gender, infrastructure, climate change, and more drawn from dozens of global practices
Since its launch in 2013, the fellowship has built a pipeline of African scholars now working in international institutions, governments, think tanks, and academia . In the 2025 cohort, 3,039 applicants applied, with 115 shortlisted and 26 fellows selected—54 % of them women—from over 15 African countries . Fellows contribute to programs in units such as Poverty & Equity, Health & Nutrition, Climate Finance, Gender Innovation Lab, Infrastructure, Social Protection, and more.
🎁 Benefits
Professional consultancy contract for six months with competitive consultant fees.
Round‑trip economy flight to Washington or WBG country office.
Hands‑on exposure to high‑level operations within the World Bank.
Work in diverse units, collaborate on real development challenges.
Valuable networking, mentorship, and exposure to global policy and operational frameworks.
Strong placement trajectory: alumni now in WBG roles, IMF, academia, African governments, think tanks, etc.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Be a Ph.D. candidate in your final year or recent Ph.D. graduate (within past three years).
Sub‑Saharan Africa nationality.
Under the age of 32 by August 25, 2025.
Excellent oral and written English.
Strong quantitative and analytical research skills.
Women and diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
📝 Application Procedure
Submit online application via WBG portal.
Provide:
Curriculum Vitae (academic and professional).
Academic transcripts.
Statement of purpose describing research interests and contribution vision.
Letters of recommendation (academic or professional).
Proof of English proficiency, if required.
Passport data and date of birth to confirm Sub‑Saharan nationality eligibility.
Screening:
Phase I: Shortlist prepared, applicants informed of shortlist status.
Phase II: Final selection in consultation with WBG units; selected candidates invited as short‑term consultants
🗓️ Application Period: July 1 to August 25, 2025. Fellowships run from January to June 2026. Aim to be under age 32 by August 25, 2025 .
🔥Tips for a Successful Application
Clearly align your research interests with WBG themes (e.g., climate finance, health, education, gender).
Tailor your statement to demonstrate impact and analytical skills.
Request recommendations that reflect both academic rigor and real‑world insight.
Prepare translations or evidence of English proficiency, if needed.
Highlight leadership and potential for applying knowledge in African contexts.
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