Applications open for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships

Applications are now open for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships, a programme established in 2011 to provide emerging African leaders with first-hand experience of the work of leading regional and international institutions. 

Three Fellows are selected each year to work for 12 months in the executive offices of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) in Abidjan, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, and the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva. 

The Fellowships combine professional experience with exposure to institutional leadership and policy processes. Fellows contribute to research and policy work within their host organisations while receiving direct mentorship from their respective heads. 

The programme also provides an opportunity to develop networks across institutions and countries. Following their Fellowship, participants join the Now Generation Network (NGN), a community of young African leaders connected to the Ibrahim Foundation's programmes. 

Since the programme was established, the Fellowships have provided participants with experience across a range of areas including economic development, trade, governance and international policy. Applications for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships are open until 20 November 2026.