Applications are now open for the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship 2027, a prestigious 12-month professional development opportunity for emerging and mid-career African leaders.
The fellowship gives three selected African professionals the opportunity to work within the executive offices of major African and international institutions while receiving a $100,000 stipend.
For the 2027 programme, Fellows will be placed at the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; or the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Applications officially opened on September 22, 2026, and the deadline is November 20, 2026.
Qualified professionals from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries can apply, provided they meet the education, professional experience, age and host-institution requirements.
Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship 2027 Overview
Here are the key details prospective applicants should know:
- Programme: Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships
- Organiser: Mo Ibrahim Foundation
- Programme Type: Professional leadership fellowship
- Eligible Applicants: Nationals of African countries
- Number of Fellows: Three annually
- Duration: 12 months
- Stipend: $100,000
- Minimum Qualification: Master’s degree
- Professional Experience: Minimum seven years of relevant experience
- Age Limit: Under 40, or under 45 for women with children
- Host Institutions: AfDB, ECA and ITC
- Locations: Abidjan, Addis Ababa and Geneva
- Application Deadline: November 20, 2026
What Is the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship?
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships were established in 2011 to identify and mentor the next generation of outstanding African leaders.
This is not a university scholarship or an entry-level internship. Instead, it is a professional fellowship aimed at young professionals, mid-career professionals and new executives who already have significant work experience.
Each year, only three Fellows are selected.
The selected professionals spend 12 months working within the executive offices of one of the programme’s three partner institutions.
During the fellowship, participants develop technical and leadership skills while contributing to research, policy development and other institutional activities.
A particularly important feature of the programme is the opportunity for Fellows to receive direct mentorship from the heads of their host organisations.
After completing the fellowship, participants also become members of the Now Generation Network, which connects emerging and established African leaders committed to contributing to the continent’s development.
Where Will the 2027 Fellows Work?
Three Fellows are selected each year, with one Fellow placed at each partner institution.
African Development Bank – Abidjan
One fellow will work with the African Development Bank Group in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The AfDB is one of Africa’s major multilateral development finance institutions. The placement can provide exposure to areas such as economic development, development finance, investment, infrastructure, regional integration and public policy.
The Fellow works close to senior leadership and gains experience with issues affecting economic and social development across Africa.
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa – Addis Ababa
Another fellow will be based at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
ECA works with African countries on economic and social development, regional integration and other major policy issues.
The fellowship gives the selected professional an opportunity to contribute to research and policy-related work while gaining experience within a major United Nations institution.
International Trade Centre – Geneva
The third Fellow will be placed at the International Trade Centre in Geneva, Switzerland.
ITC focuses extensively on international trade and sustainable economic development, particularly by helping businesses and institutions in developing economies become more competitive in international markets.
Professionals with backgrounds connected to trade, economics, business development, international development and related fields may consider this placement particularly relevant.
Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship 2027 Stipend
One of the major benefits of the fellowship is its generous financial support.
Each selected fellow receives a $100,000 stipend for the 12-month fellowship.
The stipend is designed to support fellows as they concentrate on their professional and leadership development during the programme.
However, applicants should carefully review the conditions published by their chosen host institution because additional terms and requirements may apply.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The programme offers much more than just financial support.
Successful applicants receive the opportunity to gain first-hand experience working within influential regional and international institutions.
Major benefits include:
- $100,000 stipend
- 12-month professional fellowship
- Placement at AfDB, ECA or ITC
- Direct exposure to senior institutional leadership
- Mentorship from leaders of the host organisations
- Participation in research and policy work
- Development of technical and leadership skills
- International professional experience
- Networking across countries and institutions
- Membership in the Now Generation Network after the fellowship
These benefits make the programme particularly attractive to experienced African professionals seeking greater exposure to leadership, policy and international development.
Eligibility for the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship 2027
The fellowship is specifically designed for African professionals.
To meet the Foundation’s general eligibility criteria, applicants must:
- Be a national of an African country
- Hold a master’s degree
- Have at least seven years of relevant professional experience
- Be under 40 years old
- Or be under 45 years old for women with children
- Meet any additional requirements established by the selected host institution
Applicants should remember that these are the general requirements of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
AfDB, ECA and ITC can establish additional requirements for their individual fellowship positions. Therefore, candidates should carefully read the vacancy information for the institution to which they intend to apply.
Can Cameroonians, Nigerians and Ghanaians Apply?
Yes.
The fellowship is open to nationals of African countries.
This means eligible professionals from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and other African countries can apply.
Nationality alone, however, does not guarantee eligibility.
Applicants must still satisfy the Master’s degree, professional experience and age requirements, as well as any additional conditions established by their chosen host institution.
The programme has historically selected Fellows from across Africa, reinforcing its continent-wide focus.
Is a Master’s Degree Required?
Yes.
Applicants must hold a master’s degree to qualify under the general eligibility requirements.
Therefore, the fellowship is not intended for applicants who have only recently completed a bachelor’s degree and have little professional experience.
It targets professionals who have already developed substantial expertise in their fields.
How Much Work Experience Is Required?
Applicants must have at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
The Foundation describes the programme as being open to young professionals, mid-career professionals and new executives with relevant experience.
Suitable professional backgrounds may include areas such as:
- Economics
- Development finance
- International development
- Public policy
- International trade
- Governance
- International relations
- Research
- Public administration
- Sustainable development
- Business and investment
However, the relevance of an applicant’s professional experience will also depend on the host institution and position selected.
Age Limit for Applicants
The general age requirement is clear.
Applicants must be under 40 years of age.
An exception applies to women with children, who can be considered if they are under 45.
Candidates should ensure that they satisfy the applicable age requirement before investing substantial time in preparing an application.
What Type of Candidate Is the Fellowship Looking For?
Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily make an applicant competitive.
Only three Fellows are selected each year, which makes the programme highly selective.
Strong applicants should be able to demonstrate meaningful professional achievements, leadership potential and a clear commitment to Africa’s development.
Recent Fellows have backgrounds spanning areas such as development economics, impact finance, international cooperation, capital markets, trade policy, economic governance and programme management.
Applicants should therefore focus on demonstrating impact, rather than simply listing job titles and responsibilities.
For example, a strong application should show how the candidate has contributed to policy, managed important programmes, led teams, influenced institutional decisions, conducted meaningful research or produced measurable results through their professional work.
Documents Required
The exact application documents can vary, as applications are processed through the individual host organisations.
Applicants should generally prepare documents such as:
- Updated professional CV
- Master’s degree information
- Academic qualifications
- Evidence of relevant professional experience
- Motivation or cover letter
- Personal and professional information
- References where requested
- Any additional supporting documents required by the host organisation
Candidates should use the specific vacancy announcement for their chosen institution as the final checklist.
How to Apply for the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship 2027
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check that you satisfy the nationality, education, professional experience and age requirements.
Applicants should also consider whether their professional profile is sufficiently relevant to the fellowship.
Step 2: Review the Three Host Institutions
Examine the opportunities available at AfDB, ECA and ITC.
Choose the institution that most closely matches your professional experience, expertise and long-term leadership interests.
Step 3: Check the Host-Specific Requirements
Each host organisation may establish additional eligibility and application requirements.
Therefore, applicants should read the relevant vacancy announcement carefully before submitting anything.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application Documents
Prepare a strong professional CV and any additional documents required by the host institution.
Your application should clearly demonstrate leadership potential, professional achievements and how your experience relates to Africa’s development.
Step 5: Complete the Application
Applications are submitted through the relevant host organisation, rather than through a single universal application form.
Follow the instructions provided for your selected institution and ensure that all required information is supplied.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
The closing date for the 2027 fellowship cycle is November 20, 2026.
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day, particularly if additional documents or references are required.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship 2027 opened on September 22, 2026.
The application deadline is:
November 20, 2026
With only three Fellows selected annually, applicants should use the available preparation period to develop a strong and carefully tailored application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship for 2027?
It is a 12-month professional leadership fellowship that places selected African professionals at AfDB, ECA or ITC.
How much is the fellowship stipend?
Each Fellow receives a $100,000 stipend for the 12-month programme.
How many Fellows are selected?
Only three Fellows are selected each year, with one placed at each partner institution.
Can Cameroonians apply?
Yes. Cameroonian nationals can apply if they meet the programme and host-institution requirements.
Can Nigerians apply?
Yes. Nigerian nationals are eligible, subject to meeting all other requirements.
Can Ghanaians apply?
Yes. Qualified Ghanaian professionals can apply.
Is a master’s degree compulsory?
Yes. Applicants must hold a master’s degree.
Can someone with only a bachelor’s degree apply?
The Foundation’s general eligibility requirements specify a master’s degree. Therefore, a bachelor’s degree alone does not meet the stated qualification requirement.
How much professional experience is required?
Applicants need at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
What is the age limit?
Applicants must generally be under 40. Women with children may be considered if they are under 45.
Is this program a scholarship?
No. It is a professional leadership fellowship, not a university degree scholarship.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is November 20, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship 2027 is an exceptional opportunity for experienced African professionals seeking high-level exposure to leadership, policymaking, international development and institutional decision-making.
With a $100,000 stipend, a 12-month placement at AfDB, ECA or ITC, and direct mentorship from senior institutional leaders, the programme provides selected Fellows with both financial support and substantial professional development.
Importantly, professionals from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries can apply. However, this is not an entry-level opportunity. Applicants need a master’s degree, at least seven years of relevant professional experience and must satisfy the applicable age requirement.
Applications are currently open and will close on November 20, 2026.
Official Links
Mo Ibrahim Foundation – Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships:
https://mo.ibrahim.foundation/fellowships
2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships Announcement:
https://mo.ibrahim.foundation/news/2026/applications-open-2027-ibrahim-leadership-fellowships
