The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships were established in 2011 to identify and mentor the future generation of outstanding African leaders. Each year, three fellows have the opportunity to work in the executive offices of the AfDB (Abidjan), ECA (Addis Ababa) or ITC (Geneva), with a grant of $ 100,000.
During their 12-month programmes, the fellows acquire technical and leadership skills, while contributing directly to research and policy design. A special feature of the programme is the opportunity to benefit from the direct guidance of the heads of the host organisations.
Fellows also become members of the Now Generation Network (NGN), through which they continue to contribute their skills and insights to building a better Africa.
Application process
Applications for the 2023 Ibrahim Leadership Scholarships are now open! Apply by 21 October 2022.
The scholarships are open to young professionals, mid-career executives and new executives from Africa with relevant work experience and a master's degree.
Eligibility criteria
*National of an African country
*Minimum of 7 years' relevant professional experience
*Master's degree
*Under 40, or 45 for women with children
*Any additional criteria as defined by the host
BAD: English e French
ECA: English e French
ITC: English
For more information visit: https://mo.ibrahim.foundation/fellowship
Scholarship institutions
The International Trade Centre
"Today, more than ever, developing countries face significant challenges, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the devastating consequences for health and the economy, the crisis offers an opportunity for better and bolder reconstruction. The Mo Ibrahim Fellowship programme offers bright young Africans the chance to support the recovery through inclusive and sustainable trade and development solutions. As well as deepening technical knowledge, the programme offers invaluable exposure and an opportunity to develop essential leadership skills by working alongside the Executive Director and her team. The unique experience equips the fellows with the expertise and confidence to make a significant contribution to Africa's growth."
- Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, ITC
African Development Bank
"The next generation of African leaders will be those who transform Africa. The Mo Ibrahim Fellows have been chosen to learn and develop their leadership potential to make their contribution to transformation. We are happy to welcome our fifth Fellow of the 2017 Programme, who we hope will help our efforts to create sustainable jobs for the millions of young Africans who enter the labour market every year."
-Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank
TCE
At ECA, the young fellows worked closely with the Commission's leadership to support countries in developing and implementing policies in response to the current challenges and aspirations of member states."
-Vera Songwe, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Ibrahim bags
The Ibrahim Fellowships support aspiring African leaders at several different academic institutions. The scholarships develop the talents of outstanding young Africans in selected disciplines.
