Mo Ibrahim Foundation Fellowship 2026 | $100,000 Award for Africans

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The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Fellowship is a fully funded, one-year program designed to prepare the next generation of African leaders. Each year, the fellowship places three outstanding professionals in senior leadership roles at top international organizations: the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Côte d’Ivoire, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Ethiopia, and the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Switzerland.

The fellowship targets early to mid-career professionals from Africa aiming to make a lasting impact on governance, economic development, and trade across the continent. Fellows work closely with leaders of these institutions, contributing to decision-making, policy development, and high-level projects that directly shape Africa’s development agenda.

Participants receive a $100,000 USD stipend, comprehensive institutional support, and mentorship from global leaders. They also become members of the Now Generation Network (NGN), a community of young African changemakers shaping the future of leadership on the continent.

Open only to African nationals, the fellowship requires a master’s degree, at least seven years of work experience, and a proven track record of leadership. It provides a rare opportunity to gain practical international experience while directly addressing Africa’s governance and development priorities.

Now, let’s apply for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Fellowship. Follow the step-by-step guide of Scholarships Edge to learn about benefits, eligibility, required documents and how to apply. 👇

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Details

Host Organization	Mo Ibrahim Foundation
Fellowship Locations	AfDB, ITC and UNECA
Eligible Nationalities	All African countries
Required Degree	Master’s
Fellowship Duration	12 months
Deadline	20 November 2025

Benefits of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Fellowship

USD $100,000 stipend for the 12-month fellowship.
Placement in the executive office of AfDB, UNECA, or ITC.
Mentorship from globally recognized leaders and policymakers.
Hands-on contribution to Africa’s development agenda in governance, trade, and economic transformation.
Access to the Mo Ibrahim Now Generation Network (NGN) of emerging African leaders.

Also Check: MOPGA Fellowship Program 2026 in Paris, France

Eligibility Criteria of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Fellowship

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

African nationality required.
Hold a master’s degree.
Under 40 years old (or under 45 for women with children).
At least 7 years of relevant work experience.
Proven track record in professional achievement, leadership, and impact.
Strong interest in policy-making, governance, and sustainable development in Africa.

Note: The host may set additional eligibility criteria.