World Bank Africa Fellowship Programme 2027

Overview

The World Bank Africa Fellowship Programme places African PhDs and PhD candidates in six-month research and analytical roles at World Bank offices in Washington DC and across Africa. Fellows work alongside Bank economists, sector specialists, and country teams. The programme is designed to build a pipeline of African talent into international development institutions. Around 12 to 15 Fellows per cohort. The 2027 cycle closes 15 September 2026.

Benefits

• Monthly stipend matching World Bank junior professional rates (around USD 4,000 to USD 6,000 depending on host city).
• Round-trip economy airfare between home country and the host duty station.
• Health and accident insurance for the six-month placement.
• Office space, computing equipment, and access to World Bank research databases.
• Mentorship from a senior Bank economist or specialist.
• Networking with World Bank Africa Region staff and Country Management Units.

Eligibility

• Citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country.
• PhD candidate within two years of completing the doctorate, OR PhD completed within the past five years.
• Field of study aligned with World Bank priorities: economics, public policy, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, health, urban development, climate.
• Strong publication or research record at PhD level.
• Strong English (the Bank’s working language). French is welcomed for francophone Africa placements.
• Available to spend six months at the assigned duty station (Washington DC, Nairobi, Pretoria, Dakar, or others).

How to apply

1. Open the World Bank Africa Fellowship page at the source link.
2. Complete the online application: personal information, academic transcripts, three references, two writing samples (published or working papers), statement of research interests, and preferred duty station.
3. Submit by 15 September 2026.
4. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the World Bank Africa Region in November or December 2026.
5. Final cohort is announced in February 2027 for placements starting between April and September 2027.