The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the opening of applications for the 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In a public announcement issued on October 5, 2026, the ministry said the programme is being offered by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in collaboration with the ECA and will run for a period of 12 months.
The fellowship is designed to provide young African professionals with an opportunity to strengthen their leadership capacity, deepen their understanding of the United Nations system and contribute to the analytical, advocacy and policy work of the Commission.
According to the ministry, participants will gain practical experience within a major international institution while enhancing their knowledge of Africa’s socio-economic challenges and development priorities.
The fellowship position will be fully funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
The ministry outlined a number of eligibility requirements for prospective applicants. Candidates must be nationals of an ECA member state and may reside anywhere in the world.
Applicants are also required to be under 40 years of age by the application deadline, although women with children may be considered up to the age of 45.
In addition, candidates must possess at least seven years of relevant professional experience and hold a master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
The ministry said applicants should demonstrate leadership potential, strategic thinking, analytical skills, teamwork and client orientation.
Current employees of the United Nations Secretariat or the ECA are not eligible to apply.
Interested persons have until November 20, 2026, to submit their applications.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs encouraged qualified young professionals to take advantage of the opportunity, describing the fellowship as a unique platform for leadership development and engagement with continental and global policy issues.
Further information on the programme can be obtained through the Economic Commission for Africa and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation application platforms.