Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme 2026 for Emerging African Leaders (Fully Funded with $100,000 Annual Stipend)
Posted: September 22, 2025
Application Deadline: November 20, 2025
Organizer: Mo Ibrahim Foundation
About the Fellowship
Applications are now open for the 2026 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme. Established in 2011, the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships aim to identify and mentor the next generation of outstanding African leaders, equipping them with the skills and exposure needed to drive transformative leadership across the continent.
Each year, three Fellows are hosted at top international institutions — the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, and the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva.
Fellowship Benefits
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Annual stipend of $100,000.
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Placement in the executive offices of AfDB, UNECA, or ITC.
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Twelve months of hands-on experience, gaining both technical and leadership skills.
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Direct mentorship from the heads of host organizations.
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Membership in the Now Generation Network (NGN) for continued engagement in African development.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Be a national of an African country.
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Hold a Master’s degree.
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Have at least 7 years of relevant work experience.
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Be under the age of 40, or under 45 for women with children.
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Meet any additional criteria set by the host institution.
Application Process
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Applications for the 2026 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships are now open.
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Candidates may apply to the AfDB, UNECA, or ITC.
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Detailed application instructions are available on the host institution websites.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible applicants should apply before November 20, 2025.
Visit the Official Webpage of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme