Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships 2027 ($100,000 Stipend)
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships 2027 give emerging African leaders the opportunity to spend 12 months working in the executive offices of leading regional and international institutions. Three Fellows are selected each year for placements at the African Development Bank in Abidjan, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, or the International Trade Centre in Geneva. Each Fellow receives a $100,000 stipend.
Quick Overview
Programme: Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships
Opportunity Type: Leadership Fellowship
Host Organizations: African Development Bank (AfDB), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), International Trade Centre (ITC)
Locations: Abidjan, Addis Ababa, or Geneva
Duration: 12 months
Funding: $100,000 stipend
Eligibility: African nationals with relevant professional experience and a master’s degree
Application Status: 2027 applications are open
About the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships were established in 2011 to identify and mentor the future generation of outstanding African leaders.
Each year, three Fellows work within the executive offices of one of the programme’s partner institutions. The 12-month experience combines professional responsibility with leadership development.
Fellows contribute directly to research and policy design while developing technical and leadership skills. A key part of the programme is direct mentorship from the heads of the participating host organisations.
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Fellowship Host Institutions
Applicants to the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships can pursue opportunities with three participating institutions.
African Development Bank
One Fellow has the opportunity to work in the executive offices of the African Development Bank in Abidjan.
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
One Fellow joins the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa.
International Trade Centre
One Fellow works with the International Trade Centre in Geneva.
The Foundation provides separate links to each host organisation for programme details and applications.
Benefits and Fellowship Experience
Selected Ibrahim Fellows receive:
✓ $100,000 stipend
✓ A 12-month placement at AfDB, ECA, or ITC
✓ Development of technical and leadership skills
✓ Direct involvement in research and policy design
✓ Mentorship from the head of the relevant host organisation
✓ Membership in the Now Generation Network after the Fellowship
Through the Now Generation Network, Fellows can continue contributing their skills and perspectives to issues affecting Africa after completing their placement.
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Eligibility Criteria
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships are open annually to young professionals, mid-career professionals, and new executives from Africa who meet the programme requirements.
Applicants must:
• Be a national of an African country
• Have a minimum of seven years of relevant work experience
• Hold a master’s degree
• Be under 40 years old
• Women with children may be under 45 years old
• Meet any additional requirements established by the selected host organisation
Applicants should carefully review the specific requirements published by AfDB, ITC, or UNECA before submitting an application.
What Fellows Do
During the 12-month programme, Fellows work within the executive offices of their host organisations.
The experience is designed to develop both technical and leadership capabilities. Fellows also contribute directly to research and policy design within the institution where they are placed.
The direct mentorship component gives Fellows an opportunity to learn from the leadership of their host organisation while gaining practical institutional experience.
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Application Process
The application process for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships is open.
Applicants must apply through the relevant host organisation. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation provides separate official application routes for:
• African Development Bank
• International Trade Centre
• United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Candidates should review the host-specific information carefully because additional eligibility requirements may apply.
Official Link
Review the official fellowship details and follow the relevant host organisation application instructions provided on the official page.
