Africa’s future leaders now have a golden opportunity to gain first-hand experience in international development.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Internship Programme, inviting young talent to work at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, as well as regional offices across the continent.

This initiative is not just an internship—it’s a stepping stone to shaping Africa’s next generation of change-makers while supporting the Bank’s mission to drive sustainable economic growth and transformation across its member countries.

Who Can Apply

The AfDB Internship Programme is aimed at young Africans with a strong academic background and a passion for development.

To qualify, 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 either be enrolled in a master’s programme or have completed one within the past year.
Provide proof of university or professional institution enrollment.
Be fluent in English or French, with working knowledge of the other language.
Show adaptability to multicultural work environments and strong communication skills.
Female applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.

Why This Internship Matters

The AfDB Internship Programme is more than just a line on a resume. It’s a strategic investment in Africa’s workforce.

By providing international exposure and practical experience, the programme bridges the skills gap and equips young Africans to excel in sectors like finance, energy, agriculture, governance, and industrialization.

Interns also become part of a talent pipeline that could one day contribute directly to the Bank’s efforts to promote inclusive growth, private sector development, and sustainable economic transformation across the continent.

Benefits of the Programme

Interns receive a range of professional and practical benefits, including:

A monthly stipend for the internship period.
Fully covered medical insurance.
Hands-on experience in development projects impacting Africa’s growth.
Mentorship and networking opportunities with Bank experts.
Placement options at the headquarters in Abidjan, regional offices, or remotely.
The chance to join official AfDB missions, depending on departmental needs.

While interns cover their own travel and accommodation, the Bank assists with administrative support and visa applications to make the process smoother.

Important Dates to Remember

The application and selection process is structured as follows:

Application window: 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

Candidates can only participate in the programme once, and the duration is determined by the hosting department.

Why MSMEs Should Pay Attention

The AfDB Internship Programme also has a knock-on effect for Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

By nurturing talented young professionals, the Bank helps prepare a workforce capable of leading small businesses, driving innovation, and creating jobs.

These skills strengthen the human capital that MSMEs need to thrive, supporting sustainable economic growth across the continent.

How to Apply

For full details or to submit an application, visit the official AfDB Internship page here: https://www.afdb.org/en/careers/internship-programme.