Are you a passionate African professional looking to make meaningful change on the continent? Do you dream of shaping policies, influencing development agendas, and working alongside some of Africa’s most influential institutions? If so, this is your final call to act on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme 2026 is officially open for applications, and if you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to fast-track your career in international leadership, this is it.
With a fully funded year-long placement at top-tier African and international organizations plus a generous annual stipend of $100,000, the programme offers unmatched exposure, mentorship, and real-world policy experience.
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Leadership Fellowship Programme
Organized by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the Leadership Fellowship Programme was launched in 2011 to nurture and mentor Africa’s future political and economic leaders.
Each year, three exceptional Fellows are selected to work directly under the leadership of top executives at the following prestigious institutions:
- African Development Bank (AfDB) – Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- International Trade Centre (ITC) – Geneva, Switzerland
This programme isn’t just an internship or study grant. It’s a hands-on, high-level professional experience with strategic involvement in:
- Research and policy development
- Strategic planning and advisory roles
- Leadership mentoring by heads of international organizations
- Cross-continental collaboration in development and governance
Name of Organizer
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Requirements/ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following core requirements:
1. Be a national of an African country: (You must hold citizenship from any African Union member state.)
2. Hold a Master’s degree: Your field of study should be relevant to development, economics, political science, international relations, public policy, or related disciplines.
3. Have at least 7 years of relevant work experience: Professional experience in development, policy, research, leadership, economics, or public service is preferred.
4. Age requirements: Under 40 years old at the time of application OR under 45 years old for women with children
5. Meet host institution criteria: Each host may have additional qualifications depending on the nature of the placement (e.g., language skills, specific technical background, etc.).
Deadline
20th November, 2025.
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