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Côte d'IvoireEthiopiaSwitzerland PostdoctoralShort Course Fully Funded

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme 2027: Fully Funded Executive Fellowship for African Leaders

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme 2027 offers three African professionals a fully funded 12-month executive placement at the African Development Bank, UN Economic Commission for Africa, or International Trade Centre, with a $100,000 annual stipend and direct mentorship from organizational heads.

September 23, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 20, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryCôte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Switzerland
Degree LevelPostdoctoral, Short Course
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyEconomic Development, Governance, International Trade, Leadership, Public Policy
DeadlineNovember 20, 2026

Scholarship Overview

Overview

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme 2027 is a prestigious executive fellowship designed to identify and mentor the next generation of outstanding African leaders. Established in 2011, the programme places three Fellows annually in the executive offices of major international institutions: the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, or the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva.

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For Zimbabwean and SADC applicants, this represents a rare opportunity to gain executive-level experience at globally influential institutions while receiving substantial financial support and lifelong professional network access.

What the Fellowship Covers

The fellowship is fully funded with the following benefits:

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  • Annual stipend: $100,000 paid during the 12-month programme
  • Executive placement: Position within the executive office of AfDB, UNECA, or ITC
  • Direct mentorship: One-on-one guidance from the head of the host organization
  • Technical and leadership training: Structured skill development throughout the fellowship
  • Policy research involvement: Direct contribution to research and policy design
  • Now Generation Network membership: Lifelong alumni network for continued Africa-focused engagement

Host Institutions and Locations

Fellows are placed at one of three institutions based on fit and organizational needs:

African Development Bank (AfDB)

Located in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the AfDB focuses on sustainable economic growth and social progress across Africa. Fellows here engage with infrastructure financing, regional development, and policy coordination.

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UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, UNECA is the UN’s regional hub for economic and social policy research. Fellows contribute to continental development frameworks and multilateral negotiations.

International Trade Centre (ITC)

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the ITC supports developing countries in trade capacity building. This placement offers exposure to global trade policy and international development systems.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Nationality: National of an African country (Zimbabwe and all SADC nations eligible)
  • Work experience: Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience
  • Education: Master’s degree required
  • Age limit: Under 40 years old; or under 45 for women with children
  • Additional criteria: Each host institution may set supplementary requirements

The age flexibility for women with children acknowledges career interruptions and supports gender equity in leadership pipelines.

Application Process

Applications are submitted directly to the host institution of interest. The process involves:

  1. Review eligibility and institutional fit across AfDB, UNECA, and ITC
  2. Access application materials through the official Mo Ibrahim Foundation webpage
  3. Submit application to chosen host institution by the deadline
  4. Host institutions conduct selection processes independently
  5. Final Fellows announced and programmes commence in 2027

Application materials are available in English and French for AfDB and UNECA; ITC materials are in English.

Selection Criteria

The fellowship seeks candidates who demonstrate:

  • Proven leadership potential and track record
  • Relevant technical expertise aligned with host institution priorities
  • Commitment to Africa’s development
  • Capacity to contribute meaningfully to executive-level research and policy
  • Alignment with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s governance and leadership values

Why Zimbabwean and SADC Applicants Should Apply

The fellowship offers particular value for professionals from Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region:

  • Regional representation: SADC voices remain underrepresented in continental and global economic institutions
  • Policy relevance: Experience at UNECA directly connects to regional economic integration efforts including AfCFTA implementation
  • Network building: The Now Generation Network provides ongoing platforms for cross-continental collaboration
  • Career acceleration: Executive-level exposure at these institutions is rarely accessible through conventional career paths

Important Dates

Application deadline: November 20, 2026

Fellowships commence in 2027. Exact start dates are determined by host institutions.

Application Links by Institution

Candidates must apply through their preferred host institution:

  • AfDB: English and French application details available via official Mo Ibrahim Foundation portal
  • UNECA: Programme and application information in English and French
  • ITC: English application materials

All institutional links are accessible through the official Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme webpage.

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Official scholarship page: https://moibrahimfoundation.org/leadership-fellowship/

Funding Coverage

$100,000 annual stipend for 12-month executive placement; direct mentorship from host organization heads; technical and leadership training; Now Generation Network lifetime membership

Eligibility Criteria

African nationals with minimum 7 years relevant work experience, Master's degree, under age 40 (or 45 for women with children); additional criteria set by individual host institutions

Required Documents

Not specified in available research; applicants should consult individual host institution application pages for required documentation

Application Process

1) Review eligibility and select preferred host institution (AfDB, UNECA, or ITC); 2) Access application materials through official Mo Ibrahim Foundation webpage; 3) Submit application directly to chosen host institution by November 20, 2026; 4) Host institutions conduct independent selection processes; 5) Selected Fellows commence 12-month programmes in 2027
Apply Now — Official Website

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Frequently Asked Questions

No. The age limit is strictly under 40, unless you are a woman with children, in which case the limit extends to under 45. There are no other age exceptions published.
No. A Master's degree is the minimum educational requirement. The fellowship prioritizes professional experience and leadership potential over additional academic credentials.
Yes. You apply directly to your preferred host institution—AfDB, UNECA, or ITC. However, final placement depends on institutional fit and selection outcomes. You cannot apply to multiple institutions simultaneously through a single application.
The research does not specify tax treatment or family relocation provisions. Applicants should clarify these details directly with their selected host institution during the application process, as terms may vary by organization.
Fellows become lifetime members of the Now Generation Network (NGN), continuing to contribute skills and insights to Africa's development. There is no automatic employment guarantee, but the executive experience and network access significantly enhance career trajectories.
With only three Fellows selected annually from across Africa, competition is intense. Strong candidates demonstrate: concrete policy impact in previous roles, clear alignment with a host institution's mandate, senior-level professional experience exceeding the 7-year minimum, and evidence of leadership beyond job titles—such as initiative-taking, team building, or institutional change.

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