2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships Now Open: Apply for a Fully-Funded $100,000 Leadership Programme for African Professionals

If you've been searching for fully funded fellowships for African professionals in 2026/2027, this is one you don't want to scroll past. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), has officially opened applications for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships.

This is one of Africa's most prestigious leadership fellowship programmes, and it comes with a stipend of $100,000 for 12 months. Let's break down everything you need to know — what it is, who qualifies, and how to apply before the deadline.

What Is the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship?

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships were established in 2011 to identify and mentor the next generation of outstanding African leaders. Each year, three Fellows are given the opportunity to work in the executive offices of the African Development Bank Group in Abidjan, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, or the International Trade Centre in Geneva, with a stipend of $100,000.  

During the 12-month programme, Fellows build both technical and leadership skills while contributing directly to research and policy design, with the added advantage of direct mentorship from the heads of these host institutions. After completing the fellowship, participants join the Now Generation Network (NGN), a community of young African leaders connected to the Foundation's ongoing programmes. 

In simple terms: this is a chance to sit in the same room as the decision-makers shaping Africa's economic and trade future — and get paid well while learning from them.

Who Is This Fellowship For?

To be eligible, applicants must be a national of an African country, have a minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience, hold a Master's degree, and be under the age of 40 (or 45 for women with children). Host institutions may also apply additional criteria of their own, so it's important to read each specific listing carefully.  (ibrahim)

This makes it ideal for:

-Mid-career professionals in trade, economics, policy, or development

-Young executives already leading teams or projects

-Africans working in government, multilateral institutions, NGOs, or the private sector who want exposure to international policy-making

Where Will You Work?

You'll be placed in one of three host institutions:

•African Development Bank (AfDB) — Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

•UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) — Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

•International Trade Centre (ITC) — Geneva, Switzerland

•Each institution has its own application portal, so you'll need to apply directly through the host organisation of your choice.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2027 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships are open until 20 November 2026. Don't wait until the last week — start your application early to give yourself time to gather your documents and refine your personal statement.  (ibrahim)

How to Apply

👉 Apply using the link below 👇🏼: https://mo.ibrahim.foundation/fellowships

From that page, choose your preferred host institution (AfDB, UNECA, or ITC) and follow their specific application link and instructions.

Final Thoughts

Opportunities like the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship don't come around often, and with only three slots available across the entire continent, competition will be fierce. If you meet the criteria, this is worth your full effort — a strong CV, a sharp personal statement, and an application submitted well ahead of the 20 November 2026 deadline.

Don't want to miss the next big opportunity like this? Bookmark Ganarious Blog and check back weekly — we track and break down grants, fellowships, and business opportunities for African entrepreneurs and professionals as soon as they open, so you're never scrolling social media trying to catch a deadline. Follow us on Instagram @GanariousConsults