The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowships 2027 are open to experienced African professionals with a master’s degree and at least seven years of relevant work experience. Three fellows will each spend up to 12 months in a senior institutional environment at the African Development Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa or the International Trade Centre. The Foundation lists a US$100,000 stipend for the fellowship. Applications close on 20 November 2026, so applicants should follow the instructions for their chosen host and submit before the deadline.
This is a mid-career leadership opportunity, not a scholarship for students or a typical graduate trainee programme. The fellowships offer practical exposure to policy, research and institutional leadership, with direct mentorship from senior leaders. The Foundation’s [2027 fellowship page] and each host institution’s vacancy notice provide the final application details.
What are the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowships?
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships were established to support the next generation of African leaders. Each year, three fellows work for 12 months in the executive offices of three partner institutions:
– African Development Bank Group (AfDB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
– United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
– International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Fellows contribute to work such as research, policy design and strategic assignments. They also receive mentorship from leaders at their host institution. After the fellowship, participants become members of the Foundation’s Now Generation Network, a community for African leaders.
Applications for the 2027 fellowships are open until 20 November 2026. While the Foundation provides an overview of the programme, candidates should read the detailed vacancy for the specific host they want to join. Application procedures and some eligibility requirements differ between AfDB, ECA and ITC.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Foundation’s general eligibility criteria say applicants must:
– Be a national of an African country. Applicants may be living anywhere in the world.
– Hold a master’s degree.
– Have at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
– Be under 40 years old, or under 45 for women with children.
– Meet any additional conditions set by the host institution.
These are minimum criteria, not a guarantee of selection. The host organisations look for relevant experience, leadership ability and professional skills that fit their work. Applicants should show evidence of achievement, not only describe their responsibilities.
Additional criteria may depend on the host
The AfDB notice adds specific conditions. It says government officials, active military personnel and political party leaders are not eligible. It also excludes current, former, retired or separated AfDB staff members, and candidates with close family relationships to current or non-active staff members. Its 2027 selection priorities include financing Africa’s development, reforming its financial architecture, harnessing the demographic dividend and building climate-resilient infrastructure. Read the full [AfDB vacancy notice] to check all requirements.
The ECA notice has its own conditions. For example, it states that applicants must be nationals of ECA member states and must not be employees of the UN Secretariat or ECA. It also specifies that applicants should be fluent in English or French. The full requirements are in the [ECA 2027 application notice].
The ITC fellowship is listed through the UN Careers portal as a temporary P-4 opportunity in Geneva. Applicants should read the [ITC vacancy] closely for the qualifications and application instructions specific to that placement.
What does the fellowship offer?
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation lists a stipend of US$100,000 for the 12-month programme. The fellowship also offers:
– A placement in the executive office of one of the three host institutions.
– Exposure to high-level policy and strategic work.
– Mentorship from senior leaders at the host organisation.
– Opportunities to build technical, analytical and leadership skills.
– Professional connections across institutions and African countries.
– Membership of the Foundation’s Now Generation Network after the fellowship.
The exact administrative and travel arrangements can depend on the host. For example, the AfDB notice says official mission travel is covered by the Bank and sets out separate arrangements for medical insurance, child education and retirement. ECA’s notice says its fellow is responsible for their own medical insurance, child education and retirement arrangements, while official mission travel is provided by ECA. Review your chosen institution’s terms before making relocation or financial plans.
The fellowship is not the same as a permanent job. The AfDB describes its placement as a non-renewable, one-year assignment and says it does not guarantee future employment with the Bank. Applicants should read the contract terms for their selected host before accepting an offer.
How to apply for the 2027 fellowship
Applications are made through the host institution, not through one shared form on the Foundation’s website. First, decide which placement suits your experience and check the official notice for that organisation.
AfDB application
For the African Development Bank placement:
1. Read the eligibility and selection criteria in the [official AfDB vacancy].
2. Complete the online application through the external-candidate link on the vacancy page.
3. Prepare a comprehensive CV that includes your date of birth, nationality, education and relevant professional experience.
4. Attach your academic transcripts and three letters of recommendation.
5. Submit the application online by 20 November 2026.
The AfDB notice says applications must include the required documents. It also states that candidates who meet the requirements and are considered for an interview will be contacted. The Bank does not charge applicants at any stage of recruitment.
ITC application
For the International Trade Centre placement:
1. Open the [ITC vacancy on UN Careers].
2. Review the job-specific qualifications, duties and application instructions.
3. Use the “Apply Now” option on the UN Careers page and follow the instructions in the application system.
4. Submit the information and documents requested for the vacancy before the closing date of 20 November 2026.
The application is handled through the UN’s recruitment system. Check that you are applying to the Mo Ibrahim Fellowship opportunity at ITC, rather than another UN vacancy.
ECA application
ECA has a different process. The application notice requires candidates to send an email with the specified attachments. It says applications must be submitted in English or French and that documents should be in PDF format.
The required items listed in the [ECA notice] include:
– A completed UN Administrative Profile, including a cover letter or motivation statement, saved as a PDF.
– Copies of relevant academic degree certificates.
– Three letters of recommendation.
– A completed online survey and a PDF screenshot showing that the responses were submitted.
The ECA notice says applicants should create a draft profile through the UN Inspira system and attach the PDF to their email. It also warns that the Commission cannot retrieve a draft profile from Inspira. Sending only the profile online, without attaching it to the email, may leave the application incomplete.
Follow the notice’s exact email address, subject-line format and deadline. ECA lists the closing time as 11:59 p.m. Addis Ababa time on 20 November 2026. Do not use AfDB or ITC’s application method for the ECA placement.
