Hey future leaders! Ever dreamed of making a real global impact and shaping policies that lift communities out of poverty? Well, get ready because the incredible World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Bursary 2026 is now open, and it could be your ticket to a life-changing experience!
This isn’t just any bursary; it’s a fantastic opportunity for bright young African minds — especially women — to get hands-on experience at the heart of global development. If you’re a Ph.D. student in your final year or a recent Ph.D. graduate from Sub-Saharan Africa, this fellowship offers a unique chance to work on vital research, economic policy, and technical assistance directly with the World Bank Group.
What Does It Cover?
Imagine spending six months in Washington D.C. or a WBG country office, contributing to real-world solutions aimed at reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity across Africa. You’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience in WBG operations, including knowledge generation, policy design, and institution building for inclusive growth. The best part? This fellowship is fully funded! Selected fellows will receive consultant fees and round-trip economy-class air travel to Washington, D.C., or a WBG country office. This means you can focus purely on making a difference without financial worries!
The fellowship requires an in-person availability for the period January-June 2026.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this prestigious World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Bursary, you need to meet a few key requirements:
- Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Be a recent Ph.D. graduate (within three years of completion) or be enrolled in the last year of your Ph.D. program.
- Possess an excellent command of English, both written and verbal.
- Have strong quantitative and analytical skills.
- Be under the age of 32 by the closing date of the application period (August 25, 2025).
- Women are especially encouraged to apply!
How to Apply?
Ready to jump into this amazing opportunity? Here’s a quick overview of how the selection process works and where to find the official application:
Phase I: Shortlisting
- A group of shortlisted candidates will be identified based on their specialization and interest, matching them with various units within the World Bank Group.
- You’ll be notified whether you’ve been shortlisted or not.
Phase II: Final Selection
- The final fellows will be selected in consultation with the WBG units.
- All shortlisted candidates will be informed of their final selection status.
- If selected, you’ll be hired as a short-term consultant for six months, starting in January 2026.
For more detailed information and to submit your application, visit the official World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program webpage:
Visit the Official World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program Webpage
If you’re an ambitious African Ph.D. candidate or graduate ready to contribute to global development, this is your moment! Don’t let this incredible chance slip away. Apply for the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Bursary 2026 now and take the first step towards an impactful career. For more amazing opportunities like this, keep exploring Bursaries Room!