Deadline: February 27, 2026
The Global Africa Gateway Summer Internship Program 2026 is now open for applications. This exciting initiative provides young professionals of African descent in the United States with the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience across Africa. The programme is a collaboration between The Africa Center and Afreximbank, under the Global Africa Gateway initiative — an effort dedicated to strengthening connections between Africa and its global diaspora.
About the Global Africa Gateway Summer Internship Program 2026
The Global Africa Gateway Summer Internship Program 2026 offers a unique opportunity for highly skilled U.S. citizens of African descent to engage in an enriching 8–12 week internship experience across the African continent. The programme is designed to deepen professional skills while fostering cultural exchange and collaboration across sectors critical to Africa’s development.
Through this partnership, The Africa Center and Afreximbank aim to bridge the gap between talent in the African diaspora and professional opportunities on the continent.
Programme Details
- Duration: 8–12 weeks during summer 2026
- Host Organisations: Leading African institutions and companies across multiple sectors
- Financial Support: A US $10,000 stipend will be provided to each intern to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses during the placement period.
The programme seeks to offer participants a transformative professional experience in fields including finance, construction, commodities, law, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Global Africa Gateway Summer Internship Program 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be U.S. citizens of African descent.
- Must be enrolled in full-time graduate studies or be recent graduates (within six months) of an accredited institution.
- Must demonstrate fluency in English and at least one additional official working language of the African Union (Arabic, French, Portuguese, or Kiswahili).
- Must be between the ages of 22 and 35 at the time of application.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit the following materials to be considered:
- A personal statement (maximum of 1,000 words) outlining their interest in the programme, professional goals, and what they hope to gain from the experience.
- A current CV or résumé detailing academic and professional achievements.
- Two professional or academic references who can attest to the applicant’s qualifications and potential.
- A valid passport (with at least six months of validity beyond the intended travel period).
All application materials must be submitted before the stated deadline.
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: February 27, 2026 (11:59 pm ET)
- Notification of Selected Candidates: Approximately March 15, 2026
- Internship Period: Summer 2026
Successful applicants will be matched with host organisations across Africa and supported throughout the placement process.
Benefits of the Programme
The Global Africa Gateway Summer Internship Program 2026 provides participants with:
- Exposure to international professional networks and mentorship from leading African institutions.
- The chance to contribute meaningfully to projects driving Africa’s economic growth and development.
- A fully funded experience with a generous stipend to ensure accessibility and comfort throughout the internship period.
- The opportunity to build lasting connections with peers and professionals across the African continent.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare all required materials and submit their complete application before the deadline.
🔗 Read more about the Global Africa Gateway Summer Internship Program
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