The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships 2026 (Up to $100,000 Annual Stipends)

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Applications are open for The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships 2026. Young African professionals with a passion for leadership and policy development now have the chance to apply for the 2026 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship. This fully funded program offers a year-long placement at the African Development Bank, UN Economic Commission for Africa, or the International Trade Centre, making it a rare opportunity to gain high-level experience while earning an annual stipend of $100,000.

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships were established in 2011 to identify and mentor the future generation of outstanding African leaders. Each year three Fellows have an opportunity to work in the executive offices of the AfDB (Abidjan), ECA (Addis Ababa) or the ITC (Geneva), with a stipend of $100,000.

During their 12-month programmes, Fellows gain both technical and leadership skills, while contributing directly to research and policy design. A special feature of the programme is the opportunity to benefit from the direct mentorship of the heads of the host organisations.

Fellows also become members of the Now Generation Network (NGN), through which they continue to contribute their skills and insights to building a better Africa.

Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships Benefits

Three Fellows have an opportunity to work in the executive offices of the AfDB (Abidjan), ECA (Addis Ababa) or the ITC (Geneva), with a stipend of $100,000.
Fellows also become members of the Now Generation Network (NGN), through which they continue to contribute their skills and insights to building a better Africa.

Eligibility criteria

National of an African country
minimum 7 years’ of relevant work experience
Master’s degree
under the age of 40; or 45 for women with children
any additional criteria as set by the host.
Fellowships are open annually to young professionals, mid-career and new executives from Africa with relevant work experience and a master’s degree.