World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2027 | Fully Funded Fellowship for Ph.D. Candidates and Graduates

Applications are now open for the 2027 World Bank Group (WBG) Africa Fellowship Program, a prestigious fully funded opportunity for outstanding Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa. The fellowship is designed to develop the next generation of African leaders in development research, policymaking, and international development.

Hosted by the World Bank Group, the program provides selected fellows with a six-month professional placement at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., or at one of its country offices. During the fellowship, participants gain hands-on experience working on research, economic policy, technical assistance, and development projects that support the World Bank's mission of reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity across developing countries.

Fellowship Summary

• Host Organization: World Bank Group (WBG)

• Location: Washington, D.C., USA, or World Bank Country Offices

• Program Type: Fully Funded Fellowship

• Duration: 6 Months

• Eligible Applicants: Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa

• Application Deadline: 25 August 2026

• Fellowship Start: January 2027

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will:

• Gain six months of professional experience at the World Bank Group.

• Work alongside leading economists, researchers, and development professionals.

• Contribute to research, policy analysis, technical assistance, and lending operations.

• Build professional networks with global development experts.

• Strengthen their careers in academia, public policy, international organizations, and government.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, applicants must:

• Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country.

• Be enrolled in the final year of a Ph.D. program or have completed a Ph.D. within the last three years.

• Be 32 years old or younger as of 1 January 2027.

• Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English.

• Possess strong quantitative and analytical skills.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed in two stages:

1. Eligible applicants are shortlisted based on their academic background and research specialization.

2. World Bank departments select fellows whose expertise aligns with their operational and research priorities.

Successful candidates will be appointed as World Bank consultants for six months beginning in January 2027.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the online application and upload all required documents before the deadline.

Official Links

• Apply for the WBG Africa Fellowship Program: Application Portal

• Official Fellowship Information: World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program

• World Bank Africa Opportunities: Youth Programs and Opportunities

Why You Should Apply

The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship is more than a research opportunity—it is a career accelerator for emerging African scholars. Fellows gain practical experience tackling real-world development challenges while working with one of the world's leading international development institutions. Many alumni have gone on to successful careers within the World Bank, African governments, universities, think tanks, and other global organizations.

If you are an ambitious Ph.D. candidate or recent graduate passionate about development, economics, public policy, or international affairs, this fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to advance your career while contributing to Africa's sustainable development.