Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships 2027

Overview

The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships place mid-career African professionals into senior staff roles at major multilateral institutions: the African Development Bank, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, and the International Trade Centre. The fellowship is a structured 12-month placement with a high-impact mentor. Around 4 to 6 Fellows per cycle. The 2027 cycle closes 30 June 2026 for the 2027 placements.

Benefits

• 12-month senior staff placement at the African Development Bank (Abidjan), UN Economic Commission for Africa (Addis Ababa), or International Trade Centre (Geneva).
• Generous monthly stipend matched to the host institution’s senior staff rates (typically USD 100,000 to USD 130,000 annualised).
• Round-trip airfare between home country and duty station.
• Accommodation allowance and health insurance.
• Direct mentorship from a senior leader at the host institution (typically Vice President level or above).
• Lifetime alumni community access.

Eligibility

• Citizen of an African country (any African country qualifies).
• Mid-career: typically 30 to 50 years old at the start of the fellowship.
• Master’s degree (or higher) in a relevant field: economics, public policy, development, law, international relations.
• 7 to 10 years of progressive professional experience.
• Fluent English. French strongly preferred for AfDB Abidjan and ITC Geneva placements.
• Demonstrated leadership and a track record of working on African development challenges.

How to apply

1. Open the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowships page at the source link.
2. Complete the online application: CV, motivation letter on your leadership goals, two professional references, and your preferred host institution.
3. Submit before 30 June 2026.
4. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by Mo Ibrahim Foundation and host-institution panels between September and November 2026.
5. Final Fellows are announced by January 2027 for placements starting between April and September 2027.