2026 Ibrahim Leadership Fellows announced from Morocco, Lesotho, and Rwanda

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 intake of Ibrahim Leadership Fellows, which will see three outstanding African professionals participate in one-year mentoring programmes at leading multilateral institutions. 

The incoming Fellows are Fadoua Mezgueldi, who will join the African Development Bank (AfDB); Malineo Masekepe Alina Seboholi, who will join the International Trade Centre (ITC); and Keren Neza, who will join the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Meet the 2026 Fellows

Fadoua Mezgueldi

Fadoua, from Morocco, is an international development professional with extensive experience in impact finance, international cooperation, and capital markets. She has worked across international investment banks, multilateral institutions, and development banks, with a focus on Africa. Her expertise spans climate-related topics, including green financing, blended finance, catalytic investment, and sustainable development strategies. With more than 14 years of experience across Morocco, France, Japan, the UK, the US, and the Netherlands, Fadoua brings a strong global perspective to development finance. She holds multiple master’s degrees in Hydraulic Engineering, Sustainable Development Engineering, Finance and Investment, and International Relations & Politics.

Malineo Masekepe Alina Seboholi

Malineo, from Lesotho, is a trade and development specialist with extensive experience in economic planning and international trade policy. She currently serves as Director Trade in the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, where she leads national efforts on trade policy, negotiations, and promotion. With over a decade of experience across key government ministries—including Agriculture, Natural Resources, Mining, and Development Planning—she has contributed to policies supporting export-led growth, trade facilitation, and private-sector development. She also serves as Chair of the National Trade Facilitation Committee, driving reforms to enhance Lesotho’s trade competitiveness and integration into regional and global markets. Malineo holds an MPhil in Industrial Policy from the University of Johannesburg and a BA in Economics and Business Administration from the National University of Lesotho.

Keren Neza

Keren, from Rwanda, is an international development economist specialising in economic policy research and programme management across Africa. Her expertise includes economic governance, development finance, and inclusive growth, with a focus on bridging the gap between analytical evidence and institutional reform. She has collaborated with government bodies and international organisations, leading initiatives on macroeconomic management, labour market dynamics, and private sector development. Keren brings a strong commitment to advancing evidence-based policymaking to support sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent.

About the Fellowships

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.

Since 2012, 43 Fellows (including this year’s cohort) from across Africa have participated in the programme. Upon completion of their placements, Fellows become members of the Foundation’s Now Generation Network (NGN), a coalition of young and mid-career Africans from all 54 African countries, who are committed to moving the continent’s development agenda forward.