World Bank Africa Fellowship Program 2026

Fully Funded 6-Month Fellowship in Washington, D.C. | Open to Sub-Saharan African PhD Candidates

Are you a young African researcher passionate about development, policymaking, and economic research?
The World Bank Group (WBG) invites PhD students and recent PhD graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa to apply for the prestigious 2026 Africa Fellowship Program, a fully funded, six-month in-person experience at the WBG headquarters in Washington, D.C. or a regional office.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Country: United States
  
  

• Location: WBG HQ, Washington D.C. or WBG Country Office
  
  

• Duration: 6 Months (January – June 2026)
  
  

• Eligible Applicants: Nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries
  
  

• Funding: Full Sponsorship | Consultant Fees | Roundtrip Flight | Living Support
  
  

• Category: Fellowships | Research | Professional Training
  
  

• Deadline: August 25, 2025
  
  

About the Fellowship

The World Bank Africa Fellowship Program is designed to:

• Build the capacity of young African scholars
  
  

• Foster research, policy dialogue, and evidence-based development solutions
  
  

• Create a pipeline of African professionals for careers in global development
  
  

Fellows will work on research, policy, technical assistance, or lending projects and contribute directly to the WBG's mission to end poverty and increase shared prosperity.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in the final year of a PhD program or have earned a PhD within the last 3 years
  
  

• Have excellent written and spoken English skills
  
  

• Possess strong quantitative and analytical abilities
  
  

• Be under 32 years of age by the application deadline
  
  

Preferred Backgrounds and Attributes

• Bilingual in any official World Bank language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)
  
  

• Nationals from fragile or conflict-affected countries
  
  

• Candidates from refugee or displaced populations, or with experience in forced migration research
  
  

Fellowship Benefits

• Full consultant-level compensation
  
  

• Roundtrip airfare to Washington, D.C. or country office
  
  

• Hands-on work experience with World Bank teams
  
  

• Contribution to real-world development operations and policy research
  
  

Selection Process

Phase 1: Shortlisting based on specialization and WBG unit needs
Phase 2: Final selection after interviews with hiring units
All applicants will be notified about their application status.

How to Apply (Step by Step)

1. Click the official application link World Bank Africa Fellowship Webpage
   
   

2. Fill out the application form with your personal, academic, and professional details
   
   

3. Submit your application before August 25, 2025
   
   

Why Apply?

• Build international research networks
  
  

• Gain experience in high-impact global policy work
  
  

• Position yourself for future career opportunities with the World Bank or other global development organizations