The 2026 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program at the African Development Bank (AfDB)

Hello, and a very warm welcome to Foniatz.com. We are honored to present not just jobs, but truly transformative opportunities for the leaders who will shape the future of our continent.

Today, we feature a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: the 2026 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship. This is one of Africa’s most prestigious and sought-after programs, designed to mentor the next generation of exceptional African leaders. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, a champion for good governance, has partnered with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the continent’s premier development finance institution, to offer this unique experience.

This is not a traditional job. It is a 12-month mentorship at the highest level of the AfDB, working directly with and under the guidance of the Bank’s President and senior leadership in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The selected Fellow will gain unparalleled insight into the strategic challenges and opportunities facing Africa, contributing to initiatives that impact millions of lives.

Suppose you are a mid-career professional with a proven track record of leadership and a deep commitment to Africa’s progress. In that case, this fellowship is your launchpad to the next level of influence and impact.

Official Program Announcement from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and the AfDB

Program Objectives

The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship Program aims to prepare outstanding African leaders by providing them with unique work opportunities at the most senior levels of key African institutions. The fellowship is designed to enhance the professional capacity of talented individuals, creating a pipeline of future leaders who will contribute to the governance and development of their home countries and the continent as a whole.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working under the guidance of the AfDB President and his senior team, the Fellow will:

Contribute to the design and implementation of innovative approaches to strategic issues aligned with the Bank’s mission.
Undertake high-level research and analysis on emerging strategies, programs, and policies.
Assist in monitoring the implementation of major Bank Group initiatives.
Participate in high-level discussions and contribute to the preparation for the President’s meetings and international missions.
Carry out other strategic duties as assigned by senior staff in the President’s office.

Contract Terms & Duration

This is a 12-month fellowship contract that is non-renewable.
The Fellow will receive a competitive annual stipend, paid monthly.
While the Fellow is not a regular employee of the Bank, they will be required to comply with its Staff Regulations and Rules.
The Fellow is responsible for their own medical insurance, child education, and retirement plan arrangements.
The Bank will cover all costs for official mission travel. Travel and shipping costs for assuming duty and repatriation will be covered by the Foundation.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be selected based on their potential to lead and drive results. The ideal Fellow must:

Be a national of an African country.
Be 40 years of age or younger, or 45 years of age for women with children.
Hold a minimum of a Master’s Degree in a relevant field (Economics, Finance, Business, International Development, etc.).
Have at least 7 years of relevant work experience. Priority is given to those with substantial experience in the private sector.
Possess outstanding academic credentials and strong analytical, communication, and proven leadership skills.
Not be an active or retired staff member of the AfDB, nor have close family relations with Bank staff.
Not be an active government official, military personnel, or political party leader.

A key priority for the selection is the candidate’s alignment with the Bank’s “High 5” strategic areas:

Light up and power Africa
Feed Africa
Industrialize Africa
Integrate Africa
Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa

How to Apply

The application process is entirely online and requires careful preparation.

Prepare Your Documents: You will need to submit:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Copies of all your academic transcripts/certificates.
- Three letters of recommendation.
Complete the Online Form: The application must be submitted through the AfDB’s official portal at the link below.
- Application Link: https://www.afdb.org/en/vacancy/2026-mo-ibrahim-foundation-leadership-fellowship-program-86981

Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted online by Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates who fully meet the requirements will be contacted for an interview.

Strategic Guide: Crafting a Winning Fellowship Application

This is not a standard job application. You are applying for a prestigious fellowship that invests in future leaders. Your application must reflect this. Here is our exclusive advice to help you position yourself for success.

1. Mindset Shift: It’s a Leadership Bid, Not a Job Application

The selection committee is looking for leadership potential, not just a qualified employee. Your application materials, from your CV to your letters of recommendation, must tell a compelling story of your leadership journey, your vision for Africa, and your potential for high-level impact. Frame your experience in terms of leadership, innovation, and results.

2. Strategically Align with the “High 5s”

This is the most critical tip. The criteria explicitly state that the “High 5s” are the priority.

Choose Your Forte: Review the “High 5s” and identify the one or two that most strongly align with your professional experience and passion. Are you an expert in agribusiness (“Feed Africa”)? A renewable energy entrepreneur (“Light up and power Africa”)? A trade policy expert (“Integrate Africa”)?
Build Your Narrative: Your entire application should be a powerful argument that you are a future leader in your chosen “High 5” area. Every achievement on your CV and every point in your cover letter should connect back to this narrative.

3. The CV: A Record of Impact, Not Duties

Transform your CV from a list of responsibilities into a showcase of strategic impact.

Reframe Achievements: For every role, highlight results that align with the “High 5s.”
- Instead of: “Managed a portfolio of agricultural projects.”
- Write: “Led a $10M private equity fund investing in agri-tech startups, increasing crop yields for 200,000 smallholder farmers and directly contributing to the ‘Feed Africa’ agenda.“
- Instead of: “Worked on regional infrastructure projects.”
- Write: “Developed the financial model for a cross-border fiber optic cable project, a key initiative for advancing the ‘Integrate Africa’ strategy.“

4. Secure Powerful, Specific Letters of Recommendation

Your choice of recommenders is critical.

Choose Strategically: Select recommenders who are senior figures and can speak to your leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and potential for continental impact. A CEO, a former minister, or a renowned academic mentor is often more powerful than a direct supervisor.
Equip Your Recommenders: Do not just ask for a letter. Send your recommenders your CV, the fellowship description, and a concise note explaining why you are applying and how your profile aligns with a specific “High 5.” This enables them to write a particular, compelling, and impactful letter that reinforces your narrative.

This fellowship is a gateway to a lifetime of impact. We encourage every qualified and ambitious African leader to prepare diligently and submit their application.

We wish you the very best of luck on this incredible journey!

Warmly,

The Foniatz.com Team