The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), has opened applications for its 2027 Leadership Fellowship Programme, offering young African professionals an opportunity to gain high-level experience at the ECA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The 12-month fellowship is designed to help emerging African professionals strengthen their leadership capacity, deepen their understanding of Africa’s socio-economic challenges and contribute to the ECA’s analytical, advocacy and policy advisory work.
According to a public announcement issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 5, the fellowship position will be financed by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
Applicants must be nationals of an ECA member state and may be residing anywhere in the world. They must be under 40 years of age, although women with children may be considered up to age 45, and must have at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
Applicants are also required to hold a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field and demonstrate leadership potential, strategic thinking, analytical skills, teamwork and client orientation. Current employees of the United Nations Secretariat/ECA are not eligible.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation says the fellowship is part of its broader effort to identify and mentor the next generation of African leaders. The wider Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship programme places three fellows annually at the ECA, African Development Bank and International Trade Centre.
Applications for the ECA fellowship must be submitted by November 20, 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed applicants to submit completed application forms to RecruitmentPPost@un.org, with further information available from eca.careers@un.org.
