The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is excited to announce the launch of its 2026 Internship Programme, inviting young Africans to embark on a transformative journey at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, as well as its regional offices throughout Africa.
This internship opportunity is not just about gaining work experience; it is about nurturing the future leaders of Africa and advancing the Bank’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and economic progress across its member nations.
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Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 AfDB Internship Programme, applicants must:
• Be a citizen of a Bank member country.
• Be 30 years old or younger by 31 December 2025.
• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in a master’s degree programme at a recognized institution, or apply within one year of completing a master’s degree.
• Provide proof of enrollment in a university or professional institution.
• Be fluent in English or French, with working knowledge of the other language.
• Demonstrate adaptability to multicultural settings and strong communication skills.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Why It Matters
The AfDB Internship Programme goes beyond simply offering a job placement—it is a strategic investment in shaping Africa’s workforce of tomorrow. By providing young Africans with exposure to international best practices, this initiative helps bridge the skills gap, fosters human capital growth, and boosts employability in crucial sectors like finance, energy, agriculture, governance, and industrialization. Moreover, it cultivates a talented pool of young professionals who may one day contribute to the Bank’s ongoing efforts to drive inclusive growth and support private sector development across the continent.
Benefits of the Programme
• Monthly stipend for the duration of the internship.
• Medical insurance fully covered by the Bank.
• Exposure to international development operations and participation in projects that impact Africa’s growth.
• Mentorship and professional networking opportunities with experts at the Bank.
• Opportunity to work either at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, regional offices, or remotely.
• Chance to join official AfDB missions, depending on departmental needs.
Terms and Conditions
Interns are responsible for their travel and accommodation expenses, while the Bank provides medical insurance and administrative support with visa applications. The internship is authorized once per candidate and will run for a limited period as determined by the hosting department.
Application Timeline
• Application period: October 31 – November 14, 2025
• Screening and shortlisting: November 22 – 28, 2025
• Review Committee and final selection: December 2 – 8, 2025
• Notification of results: December 14, 2025
• Internship start date: January 16, 2026
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Why MSMEs Should Take Note
The AfDB Internship Programme contributes to the growth of Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by nurturing young talents who could later drive innovation, lead small businesses, and support job creation across the continent. The skills and exposure gained through the programme strengthen Africa’s human resource base, an essential element for a thriving MSME sector and sustainable economic development.
For more information or to apply, visit https://www.afdb.org/en/careers/internship-programme.
