World Bank Opens 2027 Africa Fellowship Portal for Young Nigerian Researchers
By Aboki Forex —
The World Bank has invited eligible Nigerians to apply for its 2027 Africa Fellowship Programme. The deadline for applications is August 25, 2026.
Successful fellows will work as consultants for six months at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., or a country office, starting in January 2027. Their work will focus on poverty reduction and shared economic growth projects across Africa.
Eligibility Conditions
The World Bank set out five conditions applicants must meet:
1. Nationality from a Sub-Saharan African country, including Nigeria.
2. Current enrolment in the final year of a PhD programme, or completion of a doctorate within the last three years.
3. Age of 32 years or younger as of January 1, 2027.
4. Strong written and spoken English.
5. Demonstrated quantitative and analytical ability.
The bank also called on qualified women to apply, citing its broader goal of deepening African expertise in development research and policymaking.
Selection and Programme Details
Selection runs in two stages. A preliminary review of academic qualifications and research focus will produce a shortlist. Then individual World Bank units will assess shortlisted candidates and make final picks. Applicants who are not shortlisted will not receive direct communication from the bank.
During the six-month placement, fellows are expected to take part in development research, assist with economic policy design, support institutional development efforts, and contribute to lending and operational assignments tied to Africa's development priorities.
The World Bank said alumni of the fellowship have moved on to roles in governments, international organisations, think tanks, and universities. Interested Nigerians can submit applications through the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship portal before the August 25, 2026 deadline.
Related: Nigeria Seeks Another World Bank Loan
Earlier, the federal government intensified efforts to secure a new $1.25 billion World Bank loan. The facility is expected to be approved in June 2026, close to Nigeria's elections scheduled for 2027.
The proposed loan, titled Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration, is the second-largest World Bank loan under President Tinubu's administration. It follows the Reforms for Economic Stabilisation facility of $1.5bn, approved in June 2024. The new loan would total about N1.70 trillion at N1,361.4/$, indicating increased dependence on foreign loans amid ongoing reforms.