Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship – Apply Now

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship – Apply Now. Are you a mid-career professional from an African country with a Master’s degree and a proven track record in your field? The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship is a prestigious and highly sought-after opportunity for exceptional emerging African leaders. This 12-month program offers an unparalleled chance to work in the executive offices of leading multilateral institutions, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). With a generous stipend of $100,000, this fellowship is designed to equip the next generation of African leaders with the technical and leadership skills needed to drive positive change and contribute directly to high-level policy and research.

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Background & Job Description

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is an organization dedicated to the belief that sound leadership and governance are critical for Africa’s progress. The Leadership Fellowship is a flagship initiative established in 2011 to identify and mentor the continent’s future leaders. Each year, three fellows are selected to work closely with the senior management teams of one of the three host institutions. This is a unique learning and development opportunity that combines hands-on experience with direct mentorship from global leaders and experts. The fellowship aims to prepare fellows to make a significant contribution to the governance and development of their home countries, creating a pipeline of skilled and inspired African leaders.

Tasks

Fellows will be embedded within the executive offices of their host organization and will be involved in a variety of high-level tasks, including:

• Direct Contribution: Working directly with the head of the host institution and their senior management team on strategic research and policy design.
• Project Management: Supporting the execution of high-priority projects aligned with the host institution’s mandate, such as the African Development Bank’s “High 5” priorities.
• Policy Analysis: Conducting in-depth analysis on a range of issues, from economic development and trade to governance and institutional reform.
• Mentorship & Networking: Participating in a structured mentorship program with the head of the host organization and engaging with a diverse network of influential individuals.
• Strategic Planning: Contributing to the formulation of new strategies and procedures to enhance the organization’s impact.
• Leadership Development: Participating in workshops, briefings, and other initiatives designed to enhance leadership skills and global awareness.
• Alumni Engagement: Becoming a member of the Now Generation Network (NGN), a coalition of young and mid-career Africans committed to the continent’s development.

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship – Apply Now

Qualifications

Education and Certification

• Required Degree: A Master’s degree from a recognized institution is a mandatory requirement.
• Relevant Fields: A degree in banking, business, economics, social sciences, international development, or any other discipline relevant to the host institution’s work is preferred.

Experience

The fellowship is targeted at mid-career professionals with significant experience.

• Professional Experience: A minimum of 7-10 years of relevant work experience is required.
• African Nationality: Applicants must be a national of an African country.
• Age Limit: Applicants must be under the age of 40 (or under 45 for women with children) on the date of the application deadline.
• Skills: Applicants must demonstrate strong leadership, analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Host-Specific Criteria: It is important to note that each host institution may have additional specific criteria, which must be met.

Additional Information

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship is an opportunity that is both personally and professionally transformative.

• Stipend: The fellowship is fully funded with a generous stipend of $100,000 for the 12-month period.
• Benefits: The stipend is intended to cover living expenses, and fellows are responsible for their own medical insurance, child education, and retirement plans.
• Location: Fellows will be based in one of the three host locations: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (African Development Bank), Geneva, Switzerland (International Trade Centre), or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa).
• Application Process: The application process is generally conducted annually, with applications typically opening in September.
  1. Check Official Websites: Always check the official websites of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and the host institutions for the most recent application window and specific requirements.
  2. Submit Required Documents: This typically includes a comprehensive CV, academic transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.
  3. Online Application: Applications are submitted online, with a detailed form to be completed.
• Important Note: The application window for the 2025 Fellowship has closed. However, the program is an annual one, and prospective candidates should prepare for the next cycle. The 2026 application window is expected to open in late 2025. This post is for informational purposes to help you prepare.

Please Note: As the publisher of this job post, I am not affiliated with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation or its partner institutions. I am simply sharing this opportunity for the benefit of my audience. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Mo Ibrahim Foundation website.

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