Deadline: November 30, 2025
Are you a passionate, talented, and driven professional eager to contribute to Africa’s development? The African Development Bank (AfDB) Young Professionals Program 2026 is now open for applications! This prestigious program offers young African professionals the opportunity to develop their leadership potential and gain valuable experience working with one of Africa’s leading financial and development institutions.
About the AfDB Young Professionals Program 2026
The AfDB Young Professionals Program 2026 is a strategic talent development initiative designed to build a pool of future leaders for the African Development Bank. It targets exceptional individuals with strong academic backgrounds, relevant work experience, and a deep passion for Africa’s growth and transformation.
Through a structured three-year program, participants will engage in:
- Rotational assignments across departments and country offices.
- Comprehensive capacity development through learning and exposure.
- Mentorship and coaching from experienced AfDB professionals.
- Integration into the Bank’s workforce upon successful completion of the program.
This immersive experience is tailored to prepare young professionals for impactful careers within the Bank and across the continent.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the African Development Bank (AfDB) Young Professionals Program 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a national of one of the Bank’s member countries.
- Age: Must be 32 years old or younger by 30th November 2025.
- Education: Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a discipline relevant to the Bank’s operations, with outstanding academic performance.
- Experience: Have at least three (3) years of post-graduate professional experience in areas aligned with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy and High 5s (Feed Africa, Light up and Power Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa).
- Exposure: Possess hands-on experience working in Africa or in other developing regions.
- Skills: Demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills, as well as teamwork and adaptability in a diverse work environment.
- Languages: Fluency in English or French (proficiency in both is an added advantage).
- Flexibility: Willingness to work digitally, travel as required, and live at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, or other locations.
Program Benefits
Participants in the AfDB Young Professionals Program 2026 will enjoy:
- A structured career development plan and leadership training.
- Access to coaching and mentorship by senior Bank professionals.
- Opportunities for job rotation within departments and field offices.
- Full integration into the Bank upon successful completion of the program.
- Exposure to Africa’s top development and financial projects.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the AfDB Young Professionals Program 2026 is November 30, 2025.
All applications must be submitted before this date through the official AfDB application portals provided below.
Application Process
There are two application links depending on your current employment status:
- For current AfDB staff members
(including regular or long-term staff) – apply via the dedicated internal portal. - For external candidates
(including short-term staff, consultants, and the general public) – apply through the external application portal.
Applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility requirements and prepare all necessary documents before submitting their applications.
Headquarters and Work Environment
Successful candidates will work primarily at the AfDB Headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and may also be deployed to other regional or country offices as required. The program promotes a diverse, inclusive, and innovative work culture aligned with the Bank’s mission to drive sustainable development across Africa.
Why You Should Apply
This program offers a life-changing opportunity for young professionals who aspire to make a real difference in Africa’s development story. By joining the AfDB Young Professionals Program 2026, you will:
- Build a career with one of Africa’s most influential development institutions.
- Gain hands-on exposure to key economic and social transformation projects.
- Develop leadership, analytical, and management skills in a dynamic environment.
- Contribute to shaping Africa’s future.
Key Dates
- Program: AfDB Young Professionals Program 2026
- Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
- Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Program Duration: 3 years
How to Apply and Learn More
👉 Click here to Apply for the AfDB Young Professionals Program 2026
👉 Click here to Read More about the Programme
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