Job Title: 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship
Organization: African Development Bank (AfDB)
Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Closing Date: November 20, 2026
Job Description
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is inviting applications for the 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program. Designed for exceptional young professionals, mid-career leaders, and new executives, this 12-month program provides a platform to work directly with senior leadership at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan.
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Issue Design: Develop and help implement innovative approaches to key strategic issues aligned with the Bank’s core development mission.
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Research & Policy Analysis: Conduct targeted research and analysis on emerging economic, strategic, and policy frameworks relevant to Africa’s growth.
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Executive Support: Prepare high-level briefs, decision memos, and policy documents for executive leadership meetings and international missions.
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Program Monitoring: Analyze and report on the progress and impact of ongoing Bank Group initiatives.
Priority Focus Areas
Selection prioritizes candidates aligned with the Bank’s Four Cardinal Points:
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Large-scale resource mobilization for Africa’s development.
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Reforming Africa’s financial architecture.
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Leveraging the demographic dividend for economic growth.
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Constructing climate-resilient infrastructure and driving natural resource value addition.
Eligibility & Qualifications
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Nationality: Must be a national of an African country, residing anywhere in the world.
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Age Limit: Up to 40 years for men and women (up to 45 years for women with children).
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Education: Minimum of a Master’s degree in Banking, Business, Economics, Finance, International Development, or related social sciences.
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Experience: At least 7 years of relevant professional experience, ideally in the private sector, with demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, policy development, and development modeling.
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Ineligibility: Active or former AfDB staff, government officials, active military personnel, political party leaders, and immediate family members of current staff are ineligible.
Contract & Benefits
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Term: 1-year non-renewable contract financed by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
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Stipend & Travel: Includes a monthly stipend and coverage for official mission travel expenses, as well as relocation travel for assumption of duty and repatriation.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can review requirements and apply online via the:
>> African Development Bank Vacancy Page. Applicants must submit a comprehensive CV, academic transcripts, and three letters of recommendation by
November 20, 2026.