Young African researchers seeking international development experience have another opportunity as the World Bank Group has opened applications for its 2027 Africa Fellowship Programme.
The fellowship offers selected candidates a six-month placement at the World Bank’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., or designated country offices, where they will contribute to research, policy development and development operations beginning in January 2027.
According to information published by the World Bank on July 15, the programme is open to Ph.D. candidates in the final stage of their studies and recent Ph.D. graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa, with women particularly encouraged to submit applications.
The initiative is designed to expose emerging African scholars to practical work in development research, economic policy, technical assistance and lending operations while supporting the institution’s efforts to reduce poverty and promote shared prosperity.
Successful fellows will work directly with World Bank specialists on research projects, policy formulation, knowledge production and development programmes across different sectors.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must be citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country.
Candidates must either be in the final year of a Ph.D. programme or have obtained a Ph.D. within the last three years.
Prospective applicants must not be older than 32 years as of January 1, 2027.
Applicants are also expected to demonstrate strong written and spoken English proficiency.
In addition, candidates should possess sound quantitative and analytical abilities relevant to development research and policy work.
Required application documents
Applicants are expected to prepare an up-to-date curriculum vitae before starting the application process.
They must also provide evidence of current Ph.D. enrolment or proof of Ph.D. completion.
Each applicant is required to submit a motivation statement explaining their research interests and how these align with the World Bank’s development agenda.
Candidates must include the details of referees who can support their applications.
Research publications or relevant academic writing samples should also be attached where available.
Application process
Interested candidates are required to visit the World Bank Africa Fellowship application portal to create an account before completing the online application form.
Applicants must upload all required supporting documents and submit their applications before the closing date.
Selection stages
The recruitment process will be conducted in two phases.
The first stage involves shortlisting candidates according to their academic specialisations, with only successful applicants progressing to the next phase.
The final stage will see various World Bank units make their selections, after which successful candidates will be engaged as World Bank consultants for a six-month fellowship beginning in January 2027.
The World Bank said the programme has over the years helped develop a network of African professionals who have gone on to serve in international organisations, government institutions, research centres and universities across the continent and beyond.
Applications opened on July 15, 2026, and will remain open until August 25, 2026.
Successful applicants are expected to commence the fellowship in January 2027.
