The World Bank Group has opened applications for its 2027 Africa Fellowship Programme, offering young African researchers an opportunity to work at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., or selected country offices for six months.
According to the World Bank on its website on July 15, the programme targets Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa, with women strongly encouraged to apply.
Selected participants will gain hands-on experience in development research, economic policy, technical assistance and lending operations while contributing to the World Bank’s mission of reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity.
The institution said successful applicants would work alongside World Bank experts on research, policy design, knowledge generation, and development projects.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
* Be nationals of a Sub-Saharan African country.
* Be in the final year of a Ph.D. programme or have completed a Ph.D. within the last three years.
* Be 32 years old or younger by January 1, 2027.
* Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English.
* Possess strong quantitative and analytical skills.
How to apply
Interested candidates are expected to:
* Prepare an updated curriculum vitae.
* Obtain proof of Ph.D. enrolment or completion.
* Prepare a motivation statement outlining their research interests and how these align with the World Bank’s work.
* Provide details of referees.
* Include research publications or samples where applicable.
Applicants should then visit the World Bank Africa Fellowship application portal, create an account, complete the online application form, upload the required documents and submit their applications before the deadline.
Selection process
The recruitment will be conducted in two phases.
In the first phase, applicants will be shortlisted based on their areas of specialisation, with only shortlisted candidates contacted.
The second phase will involve final selection by different World Bank units. Successful applicants will be hired as World Bank consultants for six months beginning in January 2027.
The World Bank said the programme has helped build a pipeline of African development professionals who have gone on to work in international organisations, African governments, think tanks and academia.
Applications opened on July 15, 2026, and will close on August 25, 2026. Selected candidates are expected to begin the programme in January 2027.
APPLY HERE: https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/brief/world-bank-group-africa-fellowship-program
