Are you a young, talented African scholar eager to make a difference in the world? The application is now open to the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026! It is a fully funded international position that can provide you with access to building a professional career in one of the world’s most influential financial institutions. When you are a new PhD graduate or in your last year of PhD studies, this fellowship can define your future and link you up with leaders and changemakers all over the world.
Why Choose the WBG Africa Fellowship Program?
To empower African nationals, the World Bank Group (WBG) has established this distinguished six-month fellowship program to expose them to real-time global development work. The fellowship is held in Washington, D.C., USA, where you will collaborate with some of the most renowned economists, policy advisors, and researchers. This experience is not a job, but an opportunity to develop your analytical, policy, and technical skills in a manner that will lead to a reduction in poverty and an increase in prosperity worldwide.
Women in Special Consideration: To achieve gender inclusion, the WBG strongly recommends considering all female candidates for special consideration.
Fellowship Details at a Glance
- Host Organization: World Bank Group (WBG)
- Place: Washington, D.C., the United States
- Duration of the Program: 6 months (January 2026- June 2026)
- Fellowship Category: Fully funded & paid
Fellowship Benefits
This is the reason why this opportunity is special:
- Consultancy fee to be paid during the program
- Round-trip economy airfare to Washington, D.C. at your university
- Networking with international specialists and other researchers
On-the-job experience in:
- Research
- Policy making in the economy
- Technical assistance programs
- Lending operations
- Exposure to international development and policymaking
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to receive the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship 2026, a candidate should satisfy the following requirements:
- Currently a recent PhD graduate or candidate in the final year of a PhD.
- Communicates very well in written and spoken English.
- Show an aptitude in analysis and quantitation.
- Be below 32 years old.
- It must be present in person within Washington, D.C. throughout the fellowship term.
How to Apply for the WBG Fellowship 2026
The application process is online and easy:
- Visit
- Ensure that your academic and work history is accurate.
- Describe your vision: How will you bring your contribution to the development of society after the fellowship?
- Upload supporting documents (when necessary).
- Go through your application and apply before the deadline
Selection Process
- Short-listed applications are then sent to the concerned units of the World Bank Group.
- After the internal consultations, it was finally chosen.
- The fellows will be officially informed via email.
Final Thoughts
The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026 is not just a career step, but a step toward becoming an agent of change in Africa and beyond. Whether it is in policy development, institution building, or any other area of interest, the experience you gain will enable you to effect an inclusive, impactful change in your home country and on the international stage.
Apply now and transform your future through this fully funded international fellowship.
