Applications are now open for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship 2027. The programme gives emerging African leaders the opportunity to gain 12 months of high-level professional experience at major African and international institutions.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation created the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships to strengthen the next generation of African leaders. Through the programme, selected professionals gain practical leadership experience, mentorship and exposure to senior-level decision-making.
For 2027, three Fellows will be selected. They will undertake placements at the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Most importantly, applications are already open. The application deadline is 20 November 2026.
Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship 2027 at a Glance
| Fellowship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships 2027 |
| Organisation | Mo Ibrahim Foundation |
| Number of Fellows | 3 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Host Institutions | AfDB, UNECA and ITC |
| AfDB Location | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire |
| UNECA Location | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| ITC Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Target Group | Emerging African leaders and professionals |
| Funding | Funded fellowship |
| Deadline | 20 November 2026 |
Overall, this opportunity is particularly suitable for experienced African professionals who want to strengthen their leadership skills while contributing to Africa’s development.
If you are at an earlier stage of your career, you can also explore the African Development Bank Internship Program 2027.
What Is the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship?
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation established the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships in 2011. Since then, the programme has focused on developing talented African professionals who have the potential to take on greater leadership responsibilities.
However, this is not a university scholarship or a typical graduate internship. Instead, it is a professional leadership programme designed for individuals who have significant work experience.
During the fellowship, participants work within major institutions and gain exposure to areas such as:
- Leadership and management
- Public policy
- Economic development
- Strategic planning
- Research and analysis
- Governance
- International development
- Institutional decision-making
In addition, Fellows interact with experienced professionals and senior leaders. As a result, they gain insights that can help them take on larger leadership responsibilities later in their careers.
After completing the fellowship, participants also become part of the Foundation’s Now Generation Network (NGN). This network connects emerging African leaders from different countries and professional backgrounds.
Where Will the 2027 Fellows Work?
The Foundation partners with three major institutions for the programme.
| Host Institution | Location | Fellowship Duration |
|---|---|---|
| African Development Bank | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire | 12 months |
| United Nations Economic Commission for Africa | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 12 months |
| International Trade Centre | Geneva, Switzerland | 12 months |
Therefore, applicants should carefully review the specific requirements of the host institution that interests them.
Although the three placements are part of the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship Programme, eligibility requirements and application procedures may differ between institutions.
Mo Ibrahim Fellowship at the African Development Bank
One of the 2027 Fellows will work at the African Development Bank Group in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
This placement provides an opportunity to gain experience within one of Africa’s major development finance institutions. Consequently, it may be particularly relevant to professionals interested in economics, finance, governance, development policy, investment and international development.
The selected Fellow will receive guidance from senior officials while contributing to strategic assignments within the Bank.
What Will the AfDB Fellow Do?
Depending on the assignments provided by the bank, responsibilities may include:
- Conducting research and policy analysis
- Supporting strategic projects
- Preparing reports and briefing documents
- Analysing development challenges
- Contributing to policy development
- Supporting strategic planning
- Participating in relevant meetings
- Contributing to innovative development initiatives
- Supporting the implementation of bank priorities
Therefore, the programme requires more than academic qualifications alone. Applicants should already have strong professional experience and evidence of leadership potential.
Who Can Apply for the Mo Ibrahim Fellowship 2027?
Eligibility requirements vary slightly between the three host institutions. For this reason, candidates should check the requirements for their preferred placement before applying.
For the African Development Bank placement, applicants must be nationals of an African country. Nevertheless, they can currently live outside Africa.
AfDB Fellowship Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be a national of an African country |
| Residence | Applicants may live anywhere in the world. |
| Education | At least a master’s degree |
| Professional Experience | Minimum 7 years of relevant experience |
| General Age Limit | 40 years |
| Women with Children | The age limit may extend to 45 years. |
| Leadership | Strong leadership ability required |
| Professional Level | Young professionals, mid-career professionals and new executives |
| Deadline | 20 November 2026 |
In addition, applicants should have strong academic and professional credentials.
Relevant educational backgrounds may include economics, finance, banking, business, social sciences, international development and other disciplines connected to the Bank’s work.
How Much Professional Experience Do You Need?
For the AfDB placement, applicants need at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
Therefore, the fellowship is not designed primarily for fresh graduates.
Suitable professional experience may come from areas such as:
- Banking and finance
- Economics
- Public policy
- Governance
- International development
- Project management
- Investment
- Strategic planning
- Development research
- Government institutions
- International organisations
- Private-sector development
However, having seven years of employment alone may not make an applicant competitive.
Instead, candidates should demonstrate increasing responsibility throughout their careers. For example, experience managing teams, leading projects, designing policies or implementing major initiatives can strengthen an application.
What Is the Age Limit?
For the AfDB placement, applicants generally must not be older than 40 years.
However, the age limit may extend to 45 years for women with children.
Therefore, candidates should confirm that they satisfy the age requirement before spending significant time preparing their application.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The AfDB placement also has restrictions for certain applicants.
For example, some categories of current or former AfDB employees may not qualify. Certain close family relationships with bank staff can also affect eligibility.
Furthermore, the programme excludes government officials, active military personnel and political party leaders under the stated conditions.
Applicants should therefore review the complete eligibility rules before submitting their applications.
What Does the Mo Ibrahim Fellowship Cover?
The fellowship provides financial support during the placement.
For the AfDB fellowship, the selected fellow receives an annual stipend paid monthly. The bank administers the payment using funds provided by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
In addition, the fellowship provides support for certain travel and other programme-related expenses, in accordance with the applicable terms.
Main Fellowship Benefits
| Benefit | Availability |
|---|---|
| Monthly stipend | Yes |
| 12-month professional placement | Yes |
| Leadership development | Yes |
| Exposure to senior management | Yes |
| Professional mentorship | Yes |
| Official mission travel | Covered according to programme terms |
| Initial and repatriation travel | Supported according to programme terms |
| International professional network | Yes |
| Now Generation Network | Yes |
Beyond the financial benefits, professional exposure is also a key part of the programme. Fellows can observe how major institutions develop strategies, make decisions and respond to complex development challenges.
However, completing the fellowship does not automatically guarantee employment with the host organisation.
What Skills Are Important?
The selection process looks beyond academic qualifications. Applicants should also demonstrate leadership potential and strong professional skills.
Important competencies include:
- Leadership
- Strategic thinking
- Analytical ability
- Project management
- Policy development
- Research
- Written communication
- Oral communication
- Teamwork
- Stakeholder management
- Problem-solving
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities
For instance, instead of simply writing “strong leadership skills” on your CV, demonstrate where you led a team, managed an important project or introduced an initiative that produced measurable results.
Similarly, candidates should show how their professional experience connects with Africa’s development challenges.
Documents Required for the AfDB Fellowship
Applicants should start preparing their documents early.
For the AfDB placement, candidates need a detailed CV together with the required supporting documents.
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Vitae | Required |
| Personal and nationality information | Required |
| Education history | Required |
| Professional experience | Required |
| Academic transcripts | Required |
| Recommendation letters | 3 required |
Your CV should clearly present your career progression, leadership responsibilities and major achievements.
Furthermore, recommendation letters should come from people who can provide credible evidence of your professional abilities and leadership potential.
How to Apply for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship 2027
The application procedure depends on the host organisation.
Candidates interested in the African Development Bank placement should submit their applications through the AfDB recruitment system.
Before submitting your application, you should:
- Please confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Update your CV and highlight leadership achievements.
- Prepare your academic transcripts.
- Obtain the required recommendation letters.
- Please review all application information carefully.
- Please ensure you submit your application before the deadline.
Most importantly, do not wait until the final day. Preparing strong recommendation letters and supporting documents can take time.
How Does the Selection Process Work?
The selection process is competitive.
For the AfDB placement, the bank first reviews eligible applications. Its Human Resources Department then develops an initial shortlist.
Afterwards, shortlisted applications proceed through further review involving the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and the Bank.
As a result, applicants should ensure that their CV communicates their strongest achievements quickly and clearly.
The selection process focuses not only on qualifications but also on professional experience, leadership potential and the applicant’s ability to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development.
How to Strengthen Your Application
A strong application should demonstrate evidence rather than general claims.
For example, avoid simply saying:
“I have excellent leadership skills.”
Instead, explain what you have actually led.
You could describe a project you managed, a team you supervised, a policy you helped develop or an initiative that produced measurable results.
Likewise, quantify your achievements whenever possible.
For instance, mention:
- The number of people you supervised
- The size of a project you managed
- The amount of funding you handled
- The number of beneficiaries reached
- Improvements your work produced
- Policies or strategies you helped develop
Additionally, explain why the fellowship fits your long-term professional goals.
The strongest applications should connect three things: past achievements, the fellowship opportunity and future contribution to Africa.
Mo Ibrahim Fellowship 2027 Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships is 20 November 2026.
Since applications are already open, eligible candidates should begin preparing now.
Starting early allows you enough time to improve your CV, collect academic documents and obtain strong recommendation letters.
Moreover, early preparation reduces the risk of technical problems close to the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship 2027 open?
Yes. Applications for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships are currently open.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 20 November 2026.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship lasts 12 months.
How many Fellows will be selected?
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation selects three Fellows, with placements at AfDB, UNECA and ITC.
Where are the fellowship placements?
The placements are in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and Geneva, Switzerland.
Is the Mo Ibrahim Fellowship paid?
Yes. For example, the AfDB placement provides an annual stipend that is paid monthly.
Is the fellowship only for Africans?
The programme focuses on developing African leadership. For the AfDB placement specifically, applicants must be nationals of an African country.
Can Africans living abroad apply?
Yes. For the AfDB placement, eligible African nationals can apply even if they currently live outside Africa.
Do I need a master’s degree?
For the AfDB fellowship, applicants must have at least a Master’s degree from a recognised institution.
How much work experience is required?
The AfDB placement requires at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
Is there an age limit?
For the AfDB placement, the general maximum age is 40 years. However, the limit may extend to 45 years for women with children.
Is this programme an internship?
No. This is a professional leadership fellowship aimed at experienced professionals, mid-career professionals and emerging executives.
Does the fellowship guarantee a job afterwards?
No. Completing the fellowship does not automatically guarantee employment with the host institution.
Final Thoughts
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship 2027 provides experienced African professionals with an opportunity to spend 12 months inside major development institutions while strengthening their leadership capabilities.
Successful Fellows gain professional exposure, mentorship, institutional experience and access to an international network of African leaders.
However, the fellowship is a competitive programme. Therefore, applicants should clearly demonstrate their professional achievements, leadership experience, analytical skills and commitment to Africa’s development.
Applications close on 20 November 2026. Eligible professionals should start preparing their documents early rather than waiting until the deadline.
Official Application Link
Mo Ibrahim Foundation – 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships:
https://mo.ibrahim.foundation/news/2026/applications-open-2027-ibrahim-leadership-fellowships