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The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2027 is now accepting applications from eligible PhD candidates and recent PhD graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa. The fellowship is one of the World Bank Group’s flagship programs for early-career African researchers who want to gain practical experience in international development, economic policy, and research. Selected fellows will spend six months working at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at one of its country offices.
The fellowship provides an opportunity to work alongside World Bank experts on development projects, policy analysis, technical assistance, and research that support economic growth and poverty reduction. Since its launch, the program has helped develop a pipeline of young African professionals who have gone on to careers in international organizations, governments, universities, and research institutions.
This article explains the eligibility requirements, fellowship benefits, application process, selection stages, important dates, and other key details for applicants interested in the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2027.
WhatsApp ChannelWorld Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2027 Overview
| Organization | World Bank Group |
| Host Locations | Washington, D.C., USA or World Bank Country Offices |
| Fellowship Duration | Six months |
| Eligible Applicants | PhD candidates and recent PhD graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Application Deadline | 25 August 2026 |
| Fellowship Begins | January 2027 |
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What is the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program?
The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program is designed for talented young scholars from Sub-Saharan Africa who are completing or have recently completed a PhD in fields related to the World Bank’s work.
The program allows fellows to contribute to projects across different sectors while gaining professional experience in:
- Development research
- Economic policy
- Technical assistance
- Lending operations
- Knowledge generation and dissemination
- Country and global policy development
- Institutional capacity building
Participants work with experienced World Bank professionals and contribute to projects that support sustainable development across developing countries.
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Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive the opportunity to:
- Complete a six-month assignment with the World Bank Group.
- Work at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., or a country office.
- Gain practical experience in international development projects.
- Participate in research and economic policy activities.
- Contribute to technical assistance and lending operations.
- Build professional networks with World Bank experts.
- Develop skills relevant to careers in international organizations, governments, think tanks, and academia.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Be enrolled in the final year of a PhD program or have completed a PhD within the last three years.
- Be 32 years of age or younger by 1 January 2027.
- Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English.
- Have strong quantitative and analytical skills.
Women applicants are encouraged to apply.
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Fields of Interest
The fellowship is intended for applicants whose academic background is relevant to the World Bank Group’s areas of work, including:
- Economics
- Public Policy
- Development Studies
- Finance
- Agriculture
- Education
- Health
- Infrastructure
- Climate and Environment
- Governance
- Social Development
- Data Analysis
- Other development-related disciplines
Selection Process
The selection process consists of two stages.
Phase One
Applications are reviewed, and qualified candidates are shortlisted based on their academic background, research experience, and specialization. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Phase Two
World Bank Group units review the shortlisted candidates and make the final selection. Successful applicants receive fellowship offers and are hired as Extended Term Consultants (ETCs) for a six-month assignment beginning in January 2027.
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the online application through the official World Bank Group application portal before the deadline.
Before submitting an application, candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements and prepare all required information and supporting documents.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 15 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 25 August 2026
- Fellowship Starts: January 2027
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.
About the World Bank Group
The World Bank Group is an international development organization that works with governments around the world to reduce poverty, promote sustainable economic growth, improve education and healthcare systems, strengthen institutions, and support infrastructure development. Through programs such as the Africa Fellowship Program, the organization invests in developing future leaders and researchers who can contribute to policy development and economic progress across Africa.
Final Thoughts
The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2027 provides an opportunity for young African researchers to gain professional experience in one of the world’s leading international development institutions. The fellowship combines practical work experience with exposure to research, economic policy, and development operations, helping participants strengthen their expertise while contributing to projects that support sustainable development.
Eligible PhD candidates and recent graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa should review the official requirements carefully and submit their applications before 25 August 2026.
