The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has officially opened applications for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships, one of Africa’s most prestigious leadership programmes for exceptional young and mid-career professionals. The fully funded 12-month fellowship offers outstanding African leaders the opportunity to work within the executive offices of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), or the International Trade Centre (ITC) while receiving a US$100,000 stipend.
Established in 2011, the fellowship identifies and mentors future African leaders by providing high-level policy, governance, and leadership experience alongside the heads of leading international institutions.
About the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships are designed to strengthen Africa’s next generation of leaders by placing fellows in senior executive offices where they contribute directly to policy development, research, and strategic decision-making.
Each year, three fellows are selected to join one of the programme’s partner institutions. Throughout the fellowship, participants receive direct mentorship from the leaders of their host organisations while developing technical expertise and executive leadership skills.
Upon completing the programme, fellows become members of the Now Generation Network (NGN), a community of influential African leaders committed to advancing sustainable development across the continent.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive a comprehensive package that includes:
- US$100,000 annual stipend
- Fully funded 12-month leadership fellowship
- Placement within a leading international institution
- Direct mentorship from executive leadership
- Experience in high-level policy research and programme design
- Membership in the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s Now Generation Network
- Opportunity to contribute to Africa’s governance and development agenda
The fellowship provides unparalleled exposure to international development, economic policy, trade, governance, and regional cooperation.
Host Institutions
Applicants will join one of three internationally respected host organisations:
| Host Institution | Location |
|---|---|
| African Development Bank (AfDB) | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire |
| United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| International Trade Centre (ITC) | Geneva, Switzerland |
Each institution offers a unique professional environment, allowing fellows to contribute to projects that shape Africa’s economic and developmental future.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a national of an African country.
- Hold a Master’s degree.
- Have at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
- Be under 40 years of age, or under 45 for women with children.
- Meet any additional eligibility requirements specified by the chosen host institution.
The fellowship welcomes applications from young professionals, mid-career specialists, and emerging executives with demonstrated leadership potential.
What Fellows Will Do
During the 12-month programme, fellows work directly within executive offices on strategic assignments that contribute to institutional priorities across Africa and beyond.
Responsibilities may include:
- Conducting policy and economic research.
- Supporting the design of development programmes.
- Contributing to governance and institutional strategy.
- Preparing analytical reports and executive briefings.
- Collaborating with international experts and senior leadership.
The programme combines practical professional experience with intensive leadership development, creating a strong foundation for future executive and public leadership roles.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2027 fellowship are submitted through the official websites of the respective host institutions. Candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements and application instructions for their preferred organisation before submitting an application.
The available host institutions are:
- African Development Bank (AfDB)
- International Trade Centre (ITC)
- United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
Each host manages its own recruitment process and may specify additional documentation or selection criteria.
Why This Fellowship Is Valuable
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship is widely recognised as one of Africa’s premier leadership development opportunities. Beyond financial support, it offers direct access to senior decision-makers, meaningful participation in continental policy initiatives, and long-term membership in a distinguished network of African leaders.
Graduates of the programme continue to serve in influential positions across governments, multilateral organisations, academia, development institutions, and the private sector, contributing to transformative leadership throughout Africa.
How to Strengthen Your Application
A competitive application should demonstrate both technical excellence and leadership potential. Applicants are encouraged to:
- Highlight at least seven years of impactful professional experience.
- Showcase leadership achievements in public, private, or development sectors.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to Africa’s development and governance.
- Tailor their application to the mission of their chosen host institution.
- Prepare high-quality supporting documents and submit them before the host institution’s deadline.
Eligible African professionals should visit the official application page of AfDB, ITC, or UNECA to review the full requirements and submit their application for the 2027 Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.
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