The World Bank Group (WBG) is now accepting applications for the prestigious 2025 WBG-Africa Fellowship Program.
This highly competitive program offers a unique opportunity for young, talented African nationals who are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program or have recently completed their Ph.D. to gain hands-on experience in international development at the World Bank.
About the WBG-Africa Fellowship Program
Launched in 2013, the WBG-Africa Fellowship Program aims to build a strong pipeline of future African leaders in development through a six-month fellowship at World Bank offices in Washington, D.C. or in sub-Saharan Africa countries.
Fellows get the chance to work on World Bank projects, conduct research, contribute to reports, and participate in high-level discussions and events.
The program has been very successful in supporting the career development of African doctoral students and recent graduates who are interested in pursuing careers in international development, either with international institutions, African governments, think tanks, or academia.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Selected fellows will receive several attractive benefits during the six-month fellowship period from January to June 2025:
- Consultant fees (salary) for the duration of the fellowship
- Round-trip economy class air travel to Washington D.C. or a WBG country office in Africa
- Worker’s compensation insurance coverage
While the exact consultant fee amount is not specified, it is in line with the standard rates for short-term consultants at the World Bank, which can range from $70,000-$122,000 per year, prorated for the six-month fellowship term.
In addition to the financial benefits, fellows will gain invaluable experience working on important development projects across various sectors, engaging with global experts, and building a professional network that can boost their future career prospects.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the 2025 WBG-Africa Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a national of a sub-Saharan African country
- Be currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program or have completed a Ph.D. within the past three years
- Be no more than 32 years old as of January 1, 2025
- Have an excellent command of English (both written and verbal)
- Possess strong quantitative and analytical skills
Additional attributes that are highly desirable include:
- Proficiency in a second official World Bank language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, or Chinese)
- Nationals from fragile and conflict-affected sub-Saharan African countries
- Applicants from displaced communities or with experience working on forced displacement issues
How to Apply
The application period for the 2025 WBG-Africa Fellowship Program is open from July 10 to August 25, 2024. Interested and eligible African Ph.D. students and recent graduates must complete the online application form and upload the required documents before the deadline.
Click here to access the online application form for the 2025 WBG-Africa Fellowship Program.
After the application period closes, a shortlist of candidates will be shared with different units of the World Bank Group based on their areas of specialization. Shortlisted applicants will be notified if they are selected for interviews.
In the final selection phase, the WBG units will select the fellows who best match their business needs in consultation with the WBG-Africa Fellowship Program Team. All shortlisted candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application.
Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible to maximize their chances of being selected for this highly competitive program.
A Unique Opportunity to Contribute to Africa’s Development
The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program provides a rare opportunity for young African scholars to contribute to solving pressing development challenges facing the continent.
By working on projects related to their areas of expertise, fellows can apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems and make a positive impact on communities across Africa.
Some of the key areas that fellows may work on during their six-month tenure include:
- Poverty reduction and economic management
- Human development (education, health, social protection, jobs)
- Sustainable development (climate change, environment, agriculture, energy)
- Infrastructure (transport, ICT, water and sanitation)
- Private sector development and finance
Through their work, fellows will help to advance the World Bank’s twin goals of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity in Africa.
Building a Brighter Future for Africa
By investing in the next generation of African development leaders, the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program is helping to build a brighter future for the continent.
With the skills, knowledge, and networks gained through the fellowship, young African scholars will be well-equipped to tackle the complex challenges facing their countries and the region as a whole.
Whether they choose to work in international organizations, government, civil society, or academia, fellows will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on Africa’s development trajectory.
As more young Africans take up leadership positions in key institutions, they will help to drive the continent’s economic and social progress forward.
A Call to Action
If you are a talented African Ph.D. student or recent graduate with a passion for development and a desire to make a difference, the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
With its unique blend of hands-on experience, professional development, and networking opportunities, the program can open doors to a rewarding career in international development.
Apply now for the 2025 WBG-Africa Fellowship Program and take the first step towards becoming a leader in Africa’s development.
The deadline for applications is August 25, 2024, so don’t delay!
For more information about the program, eligibility requirements, and the application process, please visit the official WBG-Africa Fellowship Program website.
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