The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2027 offers eligible Sub-Saharan African PhD candidates and recent graduates a six-month assignment within the World Bank Group. Fellows gain practical experience in development research, policymaking, technical assistance and operational work. Applications close on 25 August 2026.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program
Category: Research and policy fellowship
Host: World Bank Group
Assignment Locations: Washington, D.C., or a World Bank Group country office
Duration: Six months
Fellowship Start: January 2027
Appointment: Extended Term Consultant
Application Deadline: 25 August 2026
About the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2027
The programme targets young African researchers completing a PhD or those who recently earned one in a field relevant to the World Bank Group’s work.
It aims to develop the next generation of African scholars in development research and policymaking. The programme also supports the World Bank Group’s work to reduce poverty and increase shared prosperity in the region.
Selected fellows complete a six-month assignment at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at a country office.
Fellowship Experience
Fellows gain hands-on experience across several areas of World Bank Group operations.
The programme includes opportunities to contribute to:
✓ Research and knowledge generation
✓ Economic policy work
✓ Technical assistance
✓ Lending operations
✓ Knowledge dissemination
✓ The design of global and country policies
✓ Institution-building work that supports inclusive growth
The fellowship is also designed to help participants explore careers in development organisations, African governments, international institutions, think tanks and academia.
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Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries and meet the programme’s academic, language, analytical and age requirements.
Candidates must:
• Be enrolled in the final year of a PhD programme or have completed a PhD within the previous three years
• Have an excellent written and verbal command of English
• Possess strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Be 32 years old or younger as of 1 January 2027
The World Bank Group particularly encourages women to apply.
Programme Location and Appointment
Selected candidates may be assigned to the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., or to a country office.
The final group of selected fellows will be hired as Extended Term Consultants for six months. The appointments are scheduled to begin in January 2027.
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Selection Process
The selection process consists of two phases.
Phase One
The World Bank Group prepares a shortlist according to applicants’ areas of specialisation. The shortlisted candidates are then made available to relevant World Bank Group units for consideration.
Only shortlisted applicants receive notification during this phase.
Phase Two
The final fellows are selected in consultation with the participating World Bank Group units.
All shortlisted applicants are informed of their final selection status. Candidates who accept an offer are appointed as Extended Term Consultants for the six-month fellowship.
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How to Submit an Application
Applications must be completed through the official World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program portal.
Applicants should:
• Review the full eligibility criteria
• Open the official online application portal
• Complete all required sections of the application
• Provide accurate academic and personal information
• Submit the completed application by the stated deadline
The online form includes sections covering personal details, contact information, education, World Bank practice areas, additional information and references.
Key Dates
• Application launch: 15 July 2026
• Application deadline: 25 August 2026
• Fellowship appointments begin: January 2027
• Fellowship duration: Six months
Applications submitted after the stated deadline will not form part of the 2027 selection cycle.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application portal below.
