The World Bank Group (WBG) Africa Fellowship Program 2027 is now accepting applications from outstanding Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates who are nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries. The prestigious fellowship provides six months of hands-on experience at the World Bank Group, giving participants the opportunity to contribute to global development initiatives while building expertise in research, economic policy, technical assistance, and development operations.
Applications opened on July 15, 2026, and will close on August 25, 2026. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
About the World Bank Group
The World Bank Group is one of the world’s leading international development organizations, working to reduce poverty, promote shared prosperity, and support sustainable development across developing countries.
Through financing, policy advice, technical assistance, and research, the World Bank Group partners with governments and organizations to improve education, healthcare, infrastructure, climate resilience, agriculture, governance, digital transformation, and economic development.
About the WBG Africa Fellowship Program
The WBG Africa Fellowship Program was established to develop the next generation of African development leaders by providing talented young researchers with practical experience in international development.
The fellowship targets exceptional African scholars who are completing or have recently completed doctoral studies in disciplines relevant to the World Bank Group’s work. Fellows spend six months working alongside World Bank professionals on projects that influence development policy and operations across Africa and beyond.
Since its launch, the programme has successfully built a pipeline of highly skilled African professionals who have gone on to careers in international organizations, African governments, universities, think tanks, and research institutions.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows will receive the opportunity to:
- Spend six months at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., or a World Bank country office.
- Work alongside internationally recognized development experts.
- Gain practical experience in global development operations.
- Contribute to research and policy development.
- Participate in technical assistance projects.
- Support lending operations.
- Expand international professional networks.
- Strengthen research and analytical skills.
- Build experience within one of the world’s leading development institutions.
- Enhance future career opportunities in international development.
The fellowship provides invaluable exposure to real-world development challenges while allowing fellows to contribute to projects that improve lives across developing countries.
Areas of Work
Fellows may contribute to activities involving:
- Development research.
- Economic policy analysis.
- Poverty reduction.
- Shared prosperity initiatives.
- Technical assistance.
- Lending operations.
- Institutional development.
- Knowledge generation.
- Policy design.
- Sustainable development.
- Capacity building.
- Inclusive economic growth.
Assignments are tailored to participants’ academic backgrounds and areas of expertise.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Be enrolled in the final year of a Ph.D. programme or have completed a Ph.D. within the past three years.
- Be 32 years of age or younger by January 1, 2027.
- Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English.
- Possess strong quantitative and analytical skills.
- Have academic expertise relevant to the World Bank Group’s work.
The programme particularly encourages applications from qualified women.
Selection Process
Phase One
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted based on academic qualifications, research interests, and alignment with World Bank priorities.
Only shortlisted candidates are contacted during this stage.
Phase Two
Shortlisted candidates are considered by various World Bank Group departments based on their specialization and organizational needs.
Successful applicants receive offers to join the World Bank Group as Extended Term Consultants (ETCs) for a six-month fellowship beginning in January 2027.
Why Apply?
The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship is one of the most prestigious opportunities available for emerging African researchers. Participants gain practical experience working on international development challenges while collaborating with leading economists, policy experts, and development practitioners.
The programme offers a unique platform for building expertise in policy research, strengthening professional networks, and preparing for leadership careers in development institutions, governments, universities, and international organizations.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Prepare all required application documents.
- Complete the online application through the World Bank Group application portal.
- Submit the application before August 25, 2026.
- Await notification if shortlisted for the next stage of the selection process.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.
Conclusion
The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for talented African Ph.D. candidates and recent graduates to gain practical experience at one of the world’s foremost international development institutions. Through research, policy engagement, and operational work, fellows contribute to initiatives that promote inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and improve lives across developing countries.
If you are a young African scholar passionate about development research and policymaking, this fellowship provides an outstanding platform to advance your career while contributing to sustainable development across Africa.
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