The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowships 2027 offer an exceptional opportunity for talented African professionals to gain high-level experience in leadership, policy, governance, and international development. Established in 2011, the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships aim to identify and mentor the next generation of outstanding African leaders.

Each year, three Fellows are selected to work for 12 months in the executive offices of leading institutions: the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; or the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva, Switzerland. Fellows receive a stipend of US$100,000 and gain direct exposure to senior institutional leadership.

Fellowship Benefits

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship provides practical professional and leadership development through high-level institutional experience. Fellows contribute to research, policy development, strategic assignments, and other initiatives relevant to their host organisation.

Selected Fellows also benefit from direct mentorship from senior leaders of their host institutions. After completing the fellowship, participants become members of the Now Generation Network (NGN), providing an opportunity to remain connected with a wider community of African leaders and professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship 2027, candidates generally need to meet the following requirements:

• Be a national of an African country
• Hold a Master’s degree
• Have at least 7 years of relevant professional experience
• Be under 40 years of age, or under 45 for women with children
• Meet any additional eligibility requirements specified by the respective host institution

Applicants should also demonstrate relevant professional experience, leadership ability, strong communication skills, and experience related to areas such as policy, strategy, development, or project management.

Application Deadline

The application process for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships is currently open. The deadline for the African Development Bank fellowship is 20 November 2026. Applicants should check the specific requirements and deadlines of AfDB, ITC, and UNECA before applying.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official Mo Ibrahim Foundation Fellowship page and follow the application links for their preferred host institution. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, required documents, and institution-specific instructions before submitting their applications.

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