[World Bank Group](https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/home)

August 2026 (Application closing date, projected)

Six-month paid fellowship; consultant fees and round-trip airfare provided.

Six-month fellowships for young African Ph.D. graduates to gain hands-on experience in World Bank Group operations and research.

Applicants must be under 32 and near completion or recently completed their Ph.D.

--- ## Description The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program provides young, talented African nationals who are completing or have recently completed their Ph.D. an opportunity to gain practical experience in development work. Fellows undertake a six-month assignment at World Bank Group (WBG) headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at a country office. The program is designed to build a pipeline of African talent for development careers in international institutions, African governments, think tanks, and academia. Fellows contribute to WBG operations, research, policy design, and technical assistance, supporting the Bank’s mission to eliminate poverty and promote shared prosperity. --- ## Due Dates - August 2026 (anticipated/projected application closing date) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Fellows are hired as short-term consultants for six months. - The fellowship provides: - Consultant fees (amount not publicly specified) - Round-trip economy class airfare to Washington, D.C. or a WBG country office --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following criteria: - Be a national of a country in Sub-Saharan Africa. - Be enrolled in the final year of a relevant Ph.D. program or have completed their Ph.D. within the past three years. - Be under the age of 32 by the application closing date. - Have an excellent command of English (written and verbal). - Possess strong quantitative and analytical skills. - Fields of study must be relevant to the World Bank’s work (e.g., economics, development studies, public policy, education, health, agriculture, environment, engineering, etc.). --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via the [WBG Africa Fellowship Program portal](https://wbgfellowship.worldbank.org/). - The selection process involves two phases: 1. Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on specialization and made available for hire by different World Bank Group units. 2. Final Selection: Units select fellows in consultation with the program office. All shortlisted candidates are notified of their status. - Selected candidates are hired as short-term consultants for six months, typically starting in January. - Required documents generally include a CV, proof of Ph.D. status or completion, and supporting materials relevant to the applicant’s field. --- ## Additional Information - The program strongly encourages applications from women. - Fellows gain exposure to WBG research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations. - Past fellows have gone on to careers in the World Bank, IMF, African governments, academia, and international organizations. - The program is managed by the Office of the Chief Economist, Africa Region. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Portal](https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/brief/world-bank-group-africa-fellowship-program) - [French Program Page](https://www.banquemondiale.org/fr/region/afr/brief/world-bank-group-africa-fellowship-program) - [Recent Africa Fellows Bios (PDF)](https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/641464aeb014fff22e779edaf4a7f835-0010012025/original/2025-Africa-Fellow-Bios.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact the World Bank Group](https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/contacts) | | Phone | (202) 473-1000 | | Program Portal | [WBG Africa Fellowship Program](https://wbgfellowship.worldbank.org/) |

World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program

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