Is the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship open now?
The programme is active, and the Foundation announced its 2026 Fellows in April 2026. However, the main fellowship page does not currently publish a new application round, so students should wait for a fresh official vacancy rather than reuse an old deadline.
What does the fellowship provide?
The Foundation publishes a US$100,000 stipend for the 12-month placement. Fellows also work close to senior leadership, contribute to policy and research, and join the Foundation’s wider leadership network after completing the programme.
Who is this fellowship really for?
This is not an entry-level scholarship. Applicants need an African nationality, a master’s degree and at least seven years of relevant experience. The programme is best suited to established professionals moving into higher-impact leadership roles.
What should applicants prepare?
A strong professional CV and evidence of leadership impact matter more here than generic scholarship language. Host institutions may add their own requirements, so use the next official vacancy notice as the final checklist.
What does this scholarship actually cover?
Each Ibrahim Leadership Fellow receives a published stipend of US$100,000 for a 12-month placement. The fellowship is a professional leadership programme rather than a university degree scholarship, so tuition coverage is not relevant.
Other verified benefits
Twelve months of senior-level professional exposure, direct mentorship from the head of a host institution, policy and research experience, and membership in the Now Generation Network after completion.
Costs not confirmed or not covered
The Foundation's main fellowship page does not publish a separate current breakdown for housing, insurance, travel or visa costs. Applicants should rely on the next host-specific vacancy notice for those details.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be nationals of an African country, hold a master's degree, have at least seven years of relevant professional experience, and meet the age and any additional host-institution criteria.
The fellowship targets young professionals, mid-career professionals and new executives from Africa. Final selection also depends on the specific requirements published by AfDB, ECA or ITC for that year's placement.
Eligible countries
Nationals of African countries
Language requirements
Host-specific professional language requirements may apply.
Which documents were historically required?
This is a historical checklist, not a current application checklist.
- CV or résumé
- Degree certificate
- Passport/ID
Which documents may be required conditionally?
- Two reference letters
What should you do next?
- Wait for the Foundation or host institution to publish the next fellowship vacancies.
- Choose the host placement that matches your experience.
- Read the host-specific eligibility and document requirements.
- Prepare your CV, degree evidence and any requested references.
- Apply through the official host application route before its published deadline.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship stipend?
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation currently states that each Fellow receives a US$100,000 stipend for the 12-month programme. The main fellowship page does not separately itemise every living, travel, visa or insurance expense, so those details should be checked in the next host-specific vacancy notice.
Can Pakistani applicants apply for the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships?
No, not under the current nationality rule. The fellowship is for nationals of African countries. Applicants also need a master's degree, at least seven years of relevant professional experience and must meet the age and host-institution requirements.