The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship provides outstanding African professionals with an opportunity to develop their leadership capabilities while working within leading multilateral institutions. The 12-month programme includes a $100,000 stipend…[full details below]
The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship provides an opportunity for outstanding African professionals to strengthen their leadership and professional capabilities while gaining practical experience within leading multilateral institutions. The fellowship runs for 12 months and provides selected fellows with a $100,000 stipend, alongside valuable exposure to high-level policy, research and decision-making processes related to Africa’s development.
Established by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the fellowship places three selected African professionals each year within major international institutions. Fellows are hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the International Trade Centre (ITC). During the programme, participants work closely with senior leaders and gain first-hand experience in institutional processes and development-focused work.
The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship is also designed to help participants build technical expertise and leadership skills that can support their future careers and contributions to Africa. If you are an African professional considering this opportunity, carefully review the eligibility requirements, application process, required documents and deadline before applying. Preparing a strong application that clearly demonstrates your professional experience, leadership potential and interest in Africa’s development can help you present your qualifications effectively.
SUMMARY:
- Fellowship Sponsor(s): Mo Ibrahim Foundation
- Host Institution(s): AfDB, ECA and ITC
- Funding Amount: $100,000 Stipend
- Number of Awards: Three
- Program Duration: 12 Months
- Study Level: Mid-Career Professionals
- Nationality: African Nationals
Fellowship Overview
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships were established to identify and mentor the next generation of outstanding African leaders.
Each year, three Fellows are selected, with one placed at each of the programme’s partner institutions:
- African Development Bank (AfDB) – Abidjan
- United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) – Addis Ababa
- International Trade Centre (ITC) – Geneva
During the 12-month placement, Fellows gain practical experience while contributing to research, policy development and other strategic work within their host institution.
A major feature of the programme is the opportunity to receive direct mentorship from the heads of the host organisations. After completing the fellowship, participants also become members of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s Now Generation Network (NGN).
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship should meet the following core requirements:
- Be a national of an African country.
- Have at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
- Hold a Master’s degree.
- Be under 40 years of age, or under 45 for women with children.
- Meet any additional eligibility and professional requirements specified by the particular host institution.
Because AfDB, ECA and ITC recruit their respective Fellows separately, applicants should carefully review the additional requirements attached to the placement for which they wish to apply.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellows receive:
- A $100,000 stipend during the fellowship.
- A 12-month professional placement at AfDB, ECA or ITC.
- Direct mentorship from the leadership of the host organisation.
- Practical experience contributing to research and policy development.
- Opportunities to strengthen technical and leadership skills.
- Exposure to high-level international and African development institutions.
- Membership in the Now Generation Network after completing the fellowship.
The exact terms and additional arrangements may vary according to the host institution.
How to Apply
Applications for the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship are normally handled separately by the African Development Bank, ECA and International Trade Centre when the annual application cycle opens.
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official Mo Ibrahim Foundation fellowship page for application link when the new cohort open.
- Review the available fellowship placements at AfDB, ECA and ITC and select the opportunity that best matches your professional experience.
- Read the specific eligibility requirements and application instructions published by the chosen host institution.
- Prepare the application information and supporting documents required by that institution.
- Complete the relevant online or institutional application process and submit all required documents before the specified deadline.
Applicants should follow the instructions for their chosen host institution carefully, as additional eligibility criteria, documents and application procedures may differ between AfDB, ECA and ITC.
Application Documents
Application requirements vary according to the host institution. Candidates should therefore prepare the documents specified in the relevant fellowship vacancy when applications open.
These may include professional and academic information required to demonstrate the applicant’s qualifications, work experience and suitability for the fellowship.
Application Deadline: Open Annually