About the opportunity
The African Development Bank offers its 2027 Internship Program – Session 1 to provide master’s students with an opportunity to acquire professional and practical experience within a premier pan-African development institution. Part of the Bank’s broader Talent Management Framework supporting its Ten-Year Strategy, the program selects participants on a competitive basis depending on institutional business needs. Interns may perform their duties either remotely or on-site in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, depending on hiring unit requirements. The program duration ranges from three to six months, commencing in January 2027. While it aims to build a pool of potential candidates for future recruitment, internships do not guarantee immediate employment with the Bank.
Salary and benefits
- Monthly stipend provided to eligible interns
- Medical insurance coverage paid by the Bank during the internship period
- Reasonable assistance from the Bank in obtaining entry and residence visas
- Acquisition of valuable professional experience within a major international financial institution
Who can apply?
- Must have attained the age of majority in country of nationality or origin and be not more than 30 years old at the time of program commencement
- Must be currently enrolled in a master's level degree program in a recognized public or private educational institution, or have obtained such a degree within the past year
- Must be nationals of member countries of the African Development Bank
- Must be fluent in at least one of the Bank's two working languages (English or French)
- Must be able to use standard software packages including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access (knowledge of SAP is desirable)
Required documents
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter from school confirming current enrollment or a copy of the master's degree
- Supporting government-issued IDs such as a passport, National Identity Card, or certificate to declare nationality
When to apply
- Posting Date: September 28, 2026
- Closing Date: October 12, 2026
- Program Commencement: January 2027 for Session 1
How to apply
- Prepare a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae and proof of enrollment or degree
- Submit a complete online application through the official African Development Bank careers portal
- Upload required identification documents to declare official nationality
- Contact HR Direct at HRDirect@AFDB.ORG with a precise issue description or screenshot if encountering technical difficulties
Additional information
- The Bank does not accept dual nationality and requires applicants to declare a single nationality for their career records
- On-site interns are responsible for their own air travel to and from the Bank's location as well as personal upkeep
- Remote interns must have access to a personal computer, reliable internet connection, and a conducive working environment
- The African Development Bank never requests application fees, processing fees, or bank account information during any stage of its recruitment process
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Master's students and recent graduates in economics, agriculture, engineering, finance, law, or related development fields looking for high-level international experience
- Candidates seeking practical exposure to multilateral development banking and pan-African economic policy
- Professionals proficient in English or French who meet the age criterion of 30 years or younger
What should you think carefully about?
- On-site interns must independently cover air travel and living expenses despite receiving a monthly stipend
- The application window is brief, closing on October 12, 2026
- Internships last between three and six months and do not guarantee subsequent employment with the Bank
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This internship provides a strong stepping stone for graduate students seeking to build an international career in development finance, public policy, or multilateral organizations. It offers substantive professional exposure and networking opportunities within a premier financial institution, aligning well with goals to transition from academic study into global development work.
Our take
Eligible master's students with a background in the Bank's core job families and a strong interest in African development should apply before the October 12, 2026 deadline. Candidates unable to cover travel and living costs for an on-site stay should carefully weigh the financial logistics before committing.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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