Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program 2027 ($100,000 stipend)

Overview

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships, run by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, were established in 2011 to identify and mentor the next generation of outstanding African leaders. The 2027 programme lasts 12 months. During that time Fellows build technical and leadership skills while contributing directly to research and policy design.

A distinctive feature is direct mentorship from the heads of the host organisations. Fellows also join the Now Generation Network (NGN), through which they keep contributing their skills and insights to building a better Africa after the programme ends.

What you get

Each year three Fellows work in the executive offices of one of three host institutions: the AfDB in Abidjan, the ECA in Addis Ababa or the ITC in Geneva. Fellows receive a stipend of $100,000.

Who can apply

The fellowship is open to nationals of an African country who are under the age of 40, or under 45 for women with children.

Requirements

Applicants need a Master's degree and at least 7 years of relevant work experience. The host organisation may set additional criteria.

How to apply

Applicants apply separately for the fellowship at the host they are interested in, whether the AfDB, the ITC or the ECA, through each host's own application page.

Key dates

The application deadline is November 20, 2026.