Are you a young African scholar eager to shape policy and development on a global stage? The World Bank Group (WBG) Africa Fellowship Program 2026 is now accepting applications!

This prestigious fellowship is designed to support Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa, equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and global exposure needed to become the next generation of leaders in research, policy, and development. Women are especially encouraged to apply.

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What the Fellowship Offers (Benefits)

Selected fellows will join the World Bank Group for a 6-month placement (January–June 2026), either at the WBG headquarters in Washington, D.C. or at one of its country offices.

The fellowship package includes:

This combination of financial support, exposure, and hands-on experience makes the WBG Africa Fellowship one of the most competitive opportunities for young African researchers.

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Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To qualify for the 2026 WBG Africa Fellowship, applicants must:

✔️ Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country
✔️ Be a recent Ph.D. graduate (within the last 3 years) or in the final year of a Ph.D. program
✔️ Be 32 years old or younger by January 2026
✔️ Have strong English communication skills (written and spoken)
✔️ Demonstrate excellent quantitative and analytical skills

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How Fellows Are Selected (Process)

The selection is carried out in two stages:

1️⃣ Shortlisting Phase – Applications are reviewed, and a pool of strong candidates is shortlisted based on their specialization and interests.
2️⃣ Final Selection Phase – Fellows are chosen in consultation with relevant WBG units. Selected candidates will then be hired as short-term consultants for the fellowship term (January–June 2026).

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Important Dates (Timeline)

👉 Apply directly via the World Bank Group: World Bank Africa Fellowship 2026 Application

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Why You Should Apply

This fellowship isn’t just a career boost — it’s a life-changing experience. As a WBG Africa Fellow, you will:

🌍 Work on real development projects affecting Africa and the world
📊 Gain hands-on experience in policy research and data analysis
🤝 Build networks with global experts and decision-makers
🚀 Position yourself for future leadership roles in academia, policy, or development organizations

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Quick Recap – WBG Africa Fellowship 2026

👉 Ready to take your career to the next level? Apply Now before the deadline!

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