World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026 for Sub-Saharan African PhD Candidates

World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026 for Sub-Saharan African PhD Candidates: Overview

The World Bank Group (WBG) Africa Fellowship Program 2026 is now open for applications. This highly competitive program offers PhD candidates and recent graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in global development at WBG headquarters in Washington, D.C., or in country offices. The program supports the next generation of African development experts, contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth across the continent. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Timeline

• Applications Open: July 1, 2025

• Application Deadline: August 25, 2025

• Fellowship Period: January – June 2026

Program Benefits

• Six-month in-person fellowship (January – June 2026)

• Hands-on experience in research, policy development, technical assistance, and lending operations

• Exposure to international development work and the WBG’s mission

• Consultant fees

• Round-trip economy-class airfare to Washington, D.C. or a WBG country office

World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026 for Sub-Saharan African PhD Candidates: Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country

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

• Be under the age of 32 by the application deadline (August 25, 2025)

• Have excellent command of English (written and spoken)

• Demonstrate strong analytical and quantitative skills

• Have a research focus relevant to the World Bank’s operations, such as:

  • Economics

  • Education

  • Health

  • Governance

  • Agriculture

  • Infrastructure

  • Climate

  • Private Sector Development

  • Energy

  • Finance

  • Social Protection

Selection Process

Phase I – Shortlisting:

• Applications are reviewed, and shortlisted candidates are selected based on specialization and alignment with WBG goals.

Phase II – Final Selection:

• WBG departments review shortlisted candidates for potential placement.

• Finalists are notified and onboarded as short-term consultants beginning January 2026.