World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026 in USA

The WBG Africa Fellowship offers a six-month, fully funded placement—January to June 2026—at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., or a regional office. The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2026 is now open for applications from Sub-Saharan African Ph.D. candidates and recent graduates. The program aims to strengthen the capacity of emerging African leaders in development research and policymaking, with a focus on reducing poverty in the region.

Selected fellows will complete a six-month placement at the WBG offices in Washington, D.C., or a country office, where they will gain practical experience in areas such as research, economic policy, technical assistance, and lending operations. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Application Deadline for World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program: August 25, 2025

Host Institutions

• World Bank Group – Washington, D.C. (Headquarters) or one of its country offices.
• Ranking: The WBG is a top global development institution; it isn’t ranked like a university but holds elite status in international development.
• Programs: Fellows engage in research, economic/policy analysis, technical assistance, and lending operations.
• Duration: Six months (Jan–Jun 2026).

Study Areas

Includes (but not limited to):

• Economics,
• Applied Statistics,
• Impact Evaluation,
• Education,
• Health,
• Agriculture,
• Energy,
• Trade, Urban/Transport,
• Fragility & Conflict,
• Social Protection,
• Poverty & Equity

World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program Benefits

• Six-month consultancy contract with the WBG
• Round-trip economy airfare to Washington, D.C. or country office
• Direct hands-on experience in global development operations
• Networking & professional development

Benefits Not Included

• Visa and health insurance are expected to be handled by recipients
• Accommodation and daily living expenses are not covered
• Relocation assistance beyond airfare is not provided

Tongarewa Scholarship 2025-26 in New Zealand

Eligibilities for World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program

• Must be a Sub-Saharan Africa national
• Ph.D. candidate (final year) or recent Ph.D. graduate (within 3 years of completion)
• Under 32 years old by the application deadline
• Strong command of English (written and spoken)
• Demonstrated quantitative and analytical skills

Selection Process

Phase I:

• Applications reviewed and shortlisted based on specialization and fit
• Applicants notified of shortlisting outcome

Phase II:

• Final selection in consultation with WBG teams
• Selected fellows hired as short-term consultants starting January 2026

Required Documents

• CV/résumé
• Academic transcripts
• Ph.D. enrollment proof or diploma
• Statement of interest (research alignment with WBG themes)
• Two to three letters of recommendation
• Proof of citizenship (passport ID)

World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program Application Process

1. Apply online via the official WBG portal when the call opens (launched July 1, 2025)
2. Submit personal, education, and practice alignment details.
3. Provide references and supporting documents.
4. Phase I: Short‑listing; matched with WBG units.
5. Phase II: Final selection; offered consultant contracts

Tips for a Successful Application

• Showcase quantitative impact: highlight research with strong data analysis.
• Align with WBG priorities: ideally reference Africa/national development goals.
• Letters of recommendation: choose referees who support your research-to-policy potential.
• Clearly state your contribution: explain what you’ll deliver during the six months.
• Proofread carefully: strong English skills reflect professionalism.

Monthly Living Expenses in Washington, D.C.

• Rent (shared apt.): $1,200–1,800
• Utilities & internet: $150–200
• Food & groceries: $400–600
• Transport (Metro/bus): $150
• Miscellaneous: $300
  Estimated total: $2,200–3,000/month (USD)

Why Choose This Opportunity?

• Gain unparalleled exposure to high-level development operations.
• Build a network with global development professionals.
• Develop policy-ready research impacting poverty and growth in Africa.
• Naturally positioned as a pipeline into international/development careers (WBG, IM­F, academia, governments).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply if I already graduated more than 1 year ago?
   Yes—as long as you completed your Ph.D. within three years before the application deadline .
2. Are only economics Ph.D. students eligible?
   No. Eligible fields include economics, stats, education, health, agriculture, energy, and more .
3. Can I apply from outside Africa?
   Yes—as long as you hold Sub‑Saharan African citizenship .
4. Will the program sponsor my visa/application costs?
   No. Airfare is covered, but visa and local expenses aren’t included.
5. What happens after the fellowship?
   Many fellows continue with WBG as consultants or Young Professionals; others join IMF, universities, think tanks .

Official Link

For full details and to apply:
World Bank Africa Fellowship Program official page: click through from WBG’s Africa region site