Accepting applications Fully Funded

World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

Deadline

2026-08-25

Country

USA

Level

phd, postdoc

Organization

World Bank Group

Field

Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, Technical Assistance

Funding

fully funded

Overview

The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026 is a six-month assignment designed for young, talented African nationals who are completing or have recently completed their Ph.D. in an area relevant to the World Bank's work. The program aims to build a strong pipeline of young African talent interested in careers in development, offering hands-on experience in WBG operations. Fellows will gain experience in knowledge generation, policy design, institution building, and will work on research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations to contribute to poverty reduction and shared prosperity in developing countries. Assignments will take place at WBG offices in Washington, D.C. or in country offices.

Coverage

Selected fellows will be hired as Extended Term Consultants (ETCs) for six months, starting in January 2027. This implies a fully-funded position, providing a stipend or salary to cover living expenses during the fellowship period.

Eligibility

Ethiopian students are eligible as the program targets young African nationals, specifically Sub-Saharan Africa nationals. Applicants must be a Ph.D. candidate or a recent Ph.D. graduate (within three years of completion). Candidates must possess an excellent command of English, both written and verbal, and strong quantitative and analytical skills. Applicants must be 32 years of age or younger by January 1, 2027. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Applicants are required to be enrolled in the last year of a Ph.D. program or have completed their Ph.D. within the last three years. They must demonstrate excellent English language proficiency and strong quantitative and analytical skills. Specific required documents for the application (e.g., CV, academic transcripts, research proposal, letters of recommendation) are not clearly stated in the provided content but would typically be part of the online application process.

How to apply

Applications are submitted online through the official World Bank Group Africa Fellowship website. The selection process involves two phases. In Phase I, a short-list of candidates is created and made available for selection by different WBG units based on the applicants' specialization; only shortlisted candidates are notified. In Phase II, the final list of fellows is selected in consultation with various WBG units. All shortlisted candidates are informed of their selection status, and selected candidates are notified and, upon acceptance, are hired as Extended Term Consultants (ETCs) for six months.

Notes

The fellowship assignments are scheduled to begin in January 2027. The program is designed to foster careers in development within international institutions, African governments, think tanks, and academia.

Source & Verification

Host organization: World Bank Group

Original source: OpportunityDesk

Official application page: https://wbgfellowship.worldbank.org/

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

1

Read the full requirements

Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.
2

Gather your documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.
3

Request recommendation letters

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.
4

Write your motivation letter

Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.
5

Proofread and submit early

Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.