Submit Entries for Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships Program (Africa)

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships were established in 2011 to identify and mentor outstanding African leaders. Each year, three Fellows work for 12 months in the executive offices of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, or the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva, with a stipend of $100,000. The 2027 Fellowships application process is now open (see host links below for details and how to apply). The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships aim to identify and mentor the future generation of outstanding African leaders. Fellows gain technical and leadership skills while contributing directly to research and policy design during their time in the executive offices of the host organizations. A highlighted feature of the programme is the opportunity for direct mentorship from the heads of the host organisations. Fellows also become members of the Now Generation Network (NGN), continuing to contribute their skills and insights toward building a better Africa. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria listed by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation: The source describes the fellowship’s work focus broadly as: No further sector-specific priority areas are specified in the provided text. This fellowship is designed for experienced professionals who want to strengthen both leadership capacity and technical influence in policy and research settings. By placing Fellows in the executive offices of major African and international institutions—AfDB, ECA, and ITC—the programme emphasizes mentorship and direct contribution to policy-relevant work. The source states that the 2027 Fellowships application process is now open, and applicants should use the host organization links for details and to apply.

Official opportunity page: The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships

How many Ibrahim Leadership Fellows are selected each year? The programme selects three Fellows each year, as stated in the source. What is the stipend amount for the fellowship? The stipend is stated as $100,000 per Fellow. How long is the fellowship programme? The fellowship programme lasts 12 months. Where will Fellows work during the programme? Fellows work in the executive offices of one of the following host institutions: AfDB (Abidjan), ECA (Addis Ababa), or ITC (Geneva). Who can apply for the 2027 Fellowships? Applicants must be nationals of an African country, have at least 7 years of relevant work experience, hold a Master’s degree, and meet the age requirement (under 40, or under 45 for women with children). Is there a single application deadline for all hosts? The source does not provide a deadline. It directs applicants to the host organization websites for application details and deadlines. What additional requirements might apply? The source states that there may be any additional criteria as set by the host, so applicants should review the specific host page for further eligibility and submission requirements. If you meet the core eligibility criteria and are applying for the 2027 Fellowships, review the official guidance on the relevant host institution page (AfDB, ITC, or UNECA). Confirm any host-specific requirements and follow the application instructions exactly as provided there.