Top 10 Fellowships and Internships for Young Africans 2025

2025 is off to a great start. It’s time to start working towards your career and professional goals, especially as a young African professional. Joining top fellowships and internships will put your career in a fast lane. These fellowships and internships will equip you with practical experience, connect you with influential networks, and give you access to resources that help you stand out. This is your opportunity to sharpen your skills, gain hands-on experience, and position yourself for bigger opportunities. These programs can position you for the breakthrough you need.

As young African professionals, this is more than just career development, it’s your chance to lead, innovate, and drive impact in industries where your voice matters. So here is our list of the top 10 fellowships and internships for young Africans in 2025 with all the information you need to apply:

1.     KPMG Undergraduate Internship Programme 2025

The KPMG Undergraduate Internship Programme 2025 offers you an opportunity to learn, develop relevant skills, and gain exclusive exposure to dynamic, innovative work to kickstart a successful professional journey. The beauty of this internship is that you get to learn from world-class professionals and access to high-class and cutting-edge resources required to realise your full potential.

The internship will last 12 weeks and begin in June 2025. If you are ready to build a career with a global organisation, this internship is worth exploring.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must not be above 24 years old at the time of application
• You must currently be a student enrolled in a recognised university
• A minimum grade equivalent to Second Class Upper Division at your current level
• A minimum CGPA of 4.0/5.0 or 3.2/4.0
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Must be digital savvy

Required Documents

After being shortlisted, you will be required to provide the following documents:

• An updated CV showing your current CGPA
• An Official Transcript
• A letter of recommendation from the Head of the Department
• An SSCE/IGCSE certificate
• Proof of evidence that you would be available for the 6 weeks for the duration of the internship.

Application Deadline: January 20, 2025.

2.     World Bank Internship Program 2025

The World Bank Internship Program offers Nigerian graduates the opportunity to gain global exposure and develop their careers. As an intern, you will be given the privilege to work with professionals across several teams, which will help you sharpen your skills, expand your network, and advance your career. As an intern with the World Bank, you will be paid a competitive hourly salary and a travel allowance of up to $3,000. However, you are responsible for your accommodation as an intern. Most available internship positions are in Washington, D.C., but the World Bank country offices are available, depending on project needs.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nigerians in full-time graduate or PhD programme
• Must be fluent in English
• Have completed an undergraduate programme
• Proficiency in other languages, such as Russian, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, or Chinese, is an added advantage.
• Strong technical and digital skills are also beneficial.

Field of Focus

• Human Development (Education, Public Health, Nutrition, and Population)
• Social Sciences (Anthropology, Sociology)
• Finance, Economics, and related disciplines
• Environment, Engineering, Agriculture, and Urban Planning
• Natural Resources Management and Private Sector Development
• Corporate Support (Communications, IT, Accounting, Human Resources, and Finance)

Application Process

1. The application will open from January 15 2025 to February 12 2025.
2. Access the online portal and upload the required documents, such as

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Interest
• Proof of Enrolment in a graduate programme

Applicants will be sent a confirmation email with their application number after they have been updated and submitted.

Apply for the 2025 World Bank Internship Program

Application Deadline: February 12 2025

3.     Google Africa Internship Program

The Google Africa Internship Programme is designed to provide students and recent graduates with hands-on experience in the tech industry. Interns work on real projects that impact millions of users, gaining valuable skills and insights into Google’s operations. The programme fosters professional development, offering mentorship, training, and networking opportunities within a diverse and inclusive environment.

Field of Focus:

• Software Engineering, Product Management, User Experience Design, Data Analysis, Marketing, Sales, and other technology and business-related areas.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Currently pursuing or have already completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in related fields.
• For technical roles: Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C++, or Python.
• For business roles: Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Relevant experience through coursework, personal projects, or previous internships. This is not mandatory.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in additional languages is a plus.

Application Process:

1. Submit your application online through the Google Careers portal.
2. Required Documents:

• Updated resume/CV.
• Academic transcripts.
• Cover letter (optional but recommended).

3. Selection Process: The applications will be reviewed, and online assessments (for technical roles) will be conducted. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews, which might include technical interviews, case studies, or behavioural interviews, depending on the role.

Application Deadlines: Unspecified

For detailed information and to apply, visit the Google Internships page.

4.     West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Next Generation Technology Internship

The WACSI 2025 Next Generation Technology Internship empowers young professionals to use technology to advance civil society initiatives. This programme stands out for its focus on equipping interns with cutting-edge digital skills while fostering their ability to create tech-driven solutions for social impact. Participants gain hands-on experience, access expert mentorship, and build networks with industry leaders across West Africa.

Field of Focus

• Technology and Civil Society

Eligibility Criteria

• This programme is designed for young professionals between the ages of 20 and 30.
• You must be a citizen of an ECOWAS member state.
• You must have a background in technology, information systems, or related fields.
• You must be passionate about using technology to support civil society initiatives.

Application Process

• Complete the online application form available on WACSI’s official website.
• Submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your motivation for applying, and one professional reference.
• Provide evidence of previous experience or coursework in technology or civil society projects.

Application Deadlines: Unspecified

• Visit the WACSI Official Website to keep track of the application process.\

5.     African Leadership Academy (ALA) Fellowships

The African Leadership Academy (ALA) offers fellowships to nurture young African leaders committed to driving positive change across the continent. These programs provide rigorous academic training, practical experience, and mentorship to equip fellows with the skills necessary to address Africa’s pressing challenges. Fellows engage in research, policy analysis, and leadership development activities, contributing to ALA’s mission of transforming Africa through ethical and effective leadership.

Field of Focus:

• Leadership development, peace, security, and development studies.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to young African citizens, particularly women from conflict-affected regions.
• Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Show interest in peace, security, and development.
• Proficiency in English is required.

Application Process:

1. Submit applications through the ALA application portal.
2. Required Documents:

• Completed application form.
• Academic transcripts.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Personal statement outlining leadership experience and aspirations.

Application Deadlines: January 15, 2025

For detailed information and to apply, visit the African Leadership Academy Fellowships page.

6.     African Development Bank (AfDB) 2025 Internship Program

The African Development Bank (AfDB) 2025 Internship programme is designed to nurture the next generation of African leaders in development and finance. This prestigious programme offers interns the chance to work on high-impact projects across the bank’s key focus areas, including economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. Participants gain invaluable exposure to the bank’s operations, benefit from mentorship by seasoned professionals, and develop skills that are crucial for advancing their careers in development.

Field of Focus

• Development, Finance, and Public Policy

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be citizens of a member country of the African Development Bank.
• Be currently enrolled in a master’s or Ph.D. Programme in fields such as economics, finance, development studies, or related areas.
• Have completed at least one year of graduate study.
• Be fluent in English or French, with a working knowledge of the other language.

Application Process

• Visit the AfDB careers portal and complete the internship application form.
• Submit a resume, a cover letter explaining your interest in the program, and proof of enrollment in a graduate program.
• Provide academic transcripts and at least one academic or professional reference.

Application Deadlines: Unspecified.

• For details and to apply, visit the AfDB Internship Program.

7.     Afreximbank Group Internship Programme for Young African Graduates 2026

The Afreximbank Group Internship programme offers young African graduates hands-on experience in trade finance and banking. It’s designed to help interns build practical skills, gain industry knowledge, and make meaningful contributions to the Bank’s mission of boosting trade across Africa. Participants enjoy a monthly stipend and travel benefits, making it a great learning opportunity for ambitious professionals looking to make an impact.

Field of Focus

• Trade Finance, Business, Economics, Accounting, Law, Engineering, Social Sciences, and related fields.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students in relevant fields.
• African nationals or individuals of African descent in the diaspora.
• Fluency in English or French. Additional languages like Arabic or Portuguese are a plus.
• Applicants must be between 20 and 32 years old.
• Children of Afreximbank staff cannot apply.

Application Process:

1. Submit Your Application: Complete the online form and upload the following documents.

• Application letter
• Updated CV
• Academic certificates
• Valid passport
• Recommendation letter from your school
• A brief statement explaining what you hope to gain from the program

Application Deadlines: Unspecified

• Visit the Afreximbank Internship Page for more information

8.     Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders 2026

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a flagship programme of the U.S. Department of State. It is designed to empower young African leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking. Chosen applicants will participate in the following:

• Leadership Institutes: Six-week programs at U.S. educational institutions that focus on Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management.
• Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit: A high-level event in Washington, D.C., aimed at connecting Fellows with U.S. leaders.
• Professional Development Experience (Optional): A four-week placement in a U.S. organisation to gain practical skills.

Field of Focus:

• Leadership development in Business, Civic Engagement, and Public Management.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be 25 to 35 years old by the application deadline, but exceptional applicants aged 21-24 may be considered.
• Citizen and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Applicants must not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
• Applicants must not be employees or immediate family members of U.S. government agencies.

Application Process

1. Visit and complete the application form available on the official website and upload the required documents as follows:

• Personal information and details about your professional background.
• Essays showing your leadership qualities and community impact.
• Reference letters to support your application.
  2. Selection Process:
• Applications are reviewed based on leadership qualities, community service, and growth potential.
• Local U.S. embassies or consulates may interview semi-finalists.

Application Deadlines: Unspecified

• Keep checking the Mandela Washington Fellowship official website to keep track of new updates.

9.     World Bank Africa Fellowship Program 2026

The World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Programme is a prestigious initiative designed to attract young African talent to the World Bank Group (WBG). The programme offers PhD candidates and recent graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the fields of development economics, public policy, and related sectors. Fellows are placed in WBG offices in Washington, D.C., or in African country offices, where they contribute to research, policy formulation, and the implementation of development programs aimed at reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity.

Field of Focus:

• Development economics, public policy, technical assistance, and operations within the World Bank Group’s areas of work.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries.
• Candidates should be under the age of 32 by the closing date of the application period.
• Applicants should be recent PhD graduates (within three years of completion) or be enrolled in the final year of their PhD programme in fields relevant to the World Bank’s work.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills are essential.
• Language Proficiency: Excellent command of English, both written and verbal, is required.

Application Process:

1. Online Application: Candidates must submit an online application through the official World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Programme portal.
2. Required Documents:

• Your CV
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Proof of citizenship
• A statement of purpose outlining your research interests and career aspirations
• Contact information for at least two academic or professional references

3. Selection Process: Applications are reviewed for eligibility and relevance to the World Bank’s work, and shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews to assess their fit for the program. Final selections are made based on academic excellence, professional experience, and alignment with the World Bank’s mission.

Application Deadlines: Unspecified

• Application Period: For more information and future application announcements, visit the World Bank Group Africa Fellowship programme page.

10.             African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Fellowship

The AWARD Fellowship is a career-development programme that equips top women agricultural scientists across sub-Saharan Africa to accelerate agricultural gains by strengthening their research and leadership skills. The programme offers tailored fellowships focused on fostering mentoring partnerships, building science skills, and developing leadership capacity. By empowering women in agricultural research, AWARD aims to contribute to the prosperity and well-being of African smallholder farmers.

Field of Focus:

• Agricultural science, research, and leadership development for African women.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to female applicants.
• Applicants must be citizens of sub-Saharan African countries.
• Must be actively engaged in agricultural research and employed in a relevant institution in Africa.
• Possess at least a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science or related fields.

Application Process:

1. Complete and submit the application form through the AWARD Fellowship online portal.
2. Required Documents:

• Updated CV
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Personal statement showing your motivation and career goals
• Letters of recommendation from professional referees

3. Selection Process: Applications are reviewed for eligibility and alignment with AWARD’s objectives, and shortlisted candidates are invited for further assessments. Final selection is based on demonstrated potential for leadership and impact in agricultural research.

Application Deadlines: Unspecified

Specific deadlines will be announced on the official award website. You are advised to check regularly for updates. For detailed information and application guidelines, visit the AWARD Fellowship page.

Conclusion

These 10 top fellowships and internships for young African professionals offer you unique opportunities that will help spur your career and introduce you to a network of like-minded professionals. Carefully go through them and ensure you meet the eligibility before applying. Additionally, keep track of updated information by always checking the official website pages of the programmes. To see available internships you can also visit here and for fellowships, you can go here.