For young Africans looking to kickstart a career in trade, finance, or economic development, a remarkable door has just opened.
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Internship Programme — an initiative designed to shape the next generation of African leaders in global trade and finance.
This prestigious opportunity allows selected interns to gain real-world experience inside one of Africa’s most influential financial institutions, all while contributing to projects that directly impact the continent’s growth story.
A Life-Changing Internship Experience
The Afreximbank Internship Programme isn’t your typical office placement.
It’s a structured and immersive six-month journey where interns can work at the bank’s Group headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, or one of its regional offices across Africa.
Beyond valuable professional exposure, the programme also offers financial support.
Each intern receives a tax-free stipend of USD $1,000 per month, alongside a housing allowance of USD $500 for international postings.
The package even covers return airfare, accommodation support during induction, and visa facilitation, ensuring interns can focus entirely on learning and contributing.
Real-World Learning and Mentorship
Interns are mentored by seasoned professionals and rotate across departments to gain hands-on experience in structured trade finance, economic development, and strategic project implementation.
By the end of the internship, each participant must produce a detailed report summarizing their learnings and contributions — a valuable addition to their academic and professional portfolios.
It’s not just an internship; it’s a career-shaping experience that connects passion with purpose.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to students currently enrolled full-time in undergraduate or postgraduate studies at a recognized institution.
Applicants must be nationals of Afreximbank member states, or students of African descent living abroad.
While Africans are the primary focus, non-African students who share the bank’s mission of promoting African trade and development are also encouraged to apply.
Eligible candidates must be between 20 and 32 years old in the year of application, fluent in English or French, and ideally have a working knowledge of another major language such as Arabic or Portuguese.
Key Application Details
Afreximbank runs two internship cycles each year — January and June intakes — with placements lasting between three to six months.
Applications are accepted all year round, but positions for the 2026 batch will remain open only until filled.
To apply, candidates should prepare the following documents:
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A compelling cover letter explaining their interest in the programme
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An updated CV
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A valid passport copy
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Certified academic transcripts
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An institutional recommendation letter specifying the proposed internship period
All applications must be submitted through the official Afreximbank online portal under the “Internship Opportunities” section.
What Happens Next
If your application is successful, Afreximbank will send you a conditional offer.
Once accepted, interns are required to confirm their participation within two weeks and provide proof of personal insurance before the start date.