Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowships in Africa (2026)

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships offer a year-long executive placement for emerging African leaders, combining a stipend, mentorship, and hands-on policy work at top pan-African institutions.

What it offers

• $100,000 stipend for the 12-month fellowship.
• Executive office placement at one of three host institutions: AfDB (Abidjan), ECA (Addis Ababa), or ITC (Geneva).
• Direct mentorship from the heads of the host organisations.
• Membership in the Now Generation Network (NGN) for continued engagement.

Who can apply

• Open to young professionals, mid-career, and new executives from Africa.
• Minimum 7 years’ relevant work experience.
• Master’s degree required.
• Age limit: under 40; under 45 for women with children.
• Must be a national of an African country.
• Additional criteria may be set by the host institution.

What you'll do

• Work in the executive offices of AfDB, ECA, or ITC.
• Contribute to research and policy design.
• Gain technical and leadership skills.
• Support recovery through inclusive and sustainable trade and development solutions (ITC placement).

How to apply

• Applications are open annually.
• Submit required documents as specified in the application process.
• Meet the eligibility criteria set by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and the host institution.

Good to know

• Three Fellows are selected each year.
• Fellows become part of the Now Generation Network (NGN) for ongoing contributions to Africa’s development.