Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships 2027 – $100,000 Stipend
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships 2027 provide selected African professionals with a 12-month placement in the executive offices of the African Development Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, or the International Trade Centre. Three Fellows are selected each year, and each Fellowship provides a $100,000 stipend. Applications for the 2027 Fellowships are currently open.
Quick Overview
Programme: Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships
Opportunity Type: Leadership Fellowship
Host Institutions: AfDB, ECA, and ITC
Locations: Abidjan, Addis Ababa, and Geneva
Duration: 12 months
Stipend: $100,000
Eligibility: Nationals of African countries who meet the programme criteria
Application Status: Open for the 2027 Fellowships
About the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships were established in 2011 to identify and mentor the future generation of African leaders.
Each year, three Fellows have the opportunity to work in the executive offices of one of the programme’s host institutions:
• African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan
• United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa
• International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva
During the 12-month programme, Fellows develop technical and leadership skills while contributing directly to research and policy design.
Also read: Jean Monnet Fellowships 2027–2028 in Italy (€2,850 Monthly Grant)
Fellowship Benefits
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships combine professional experience, leadership development, and direct exposure to senior institutional leadership.
Confirmed programme benefits include:
✓ $100,000 stipend
✓ 12-month placement with one of the three host institutions
✓ Development of technical skills
✓ Development of leadership skills
✓ Direct contribution to 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, former Fellows can continue contributing their skills and insights to initiatives focused on Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
The Fellowships are open annually to young professionals, mid-career professionals, and new executives from Africa who have relevant work experience and a master’s degree.
Applicants must meet the following general criteria:
• Be a national of an African country
• Have a minimum of seven years of relevant work experience
• Hold a master’s degree
• Be under the age of 40
• Women with children may be under the age of 45
• Meet any additional criteria established by the selected host institution
Check: U.S. Treasury International Affairs Junior Fellowship 2027–2029
Host Institutions
Applicants can pursue the 2027 Fellowship through one of three participating organisations.
African Development Bank
The African Development Bank Fellowship placement is based in Abidjan.
International Trade Centre
The International Trade Centre Fellowship placement is based in Geneva.
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
The ECA Fellowship placement is based in Addis Ababa.
Each host organisation provides its own programme and application information through links available on the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships page.
Application Process
The application process for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships is currently open.
Applicants should:
• Review the general Fellowship eligibility criteria.
• Select the relevant host organisation.
• Review any additional eligibility conditions established by that host.
• Open the relevant host-organisation application information through the official Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships page.
• Follow the application instructions provided by the selected host organisation.
The Foundation provides separate application information for the African Development Bank, International Trade Centre, and UNECA.
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Mentorship and the Now Generation Network
A central feature of the programme is direct mentorship from the heads of the host organisations.
After completing the Fellowship, participants become members of the Now Generation Network. The network allows Fellows to continue contributing their skills and insights toward building a better Africa.
Official Link
Review the official Fellowship details and follow the application instructions for your selected host organisation.
