AfDB Internship Program 2026: How to apply, eligibility, benefits, and key details

AfDB Internship Program offers African students paid opportunities

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Internship Program 2026 is now open, offering a unique opportunity for students across Africa to gain hands-on experience in one of the continent’s leading financial institutions. Designed to equip young professionals with practical skills, the internship provides monthly stipends, health insurance, and professional exposure to AfDB’s mission of promoting sustainable development in Africa.

What Is the AfDB Internship Program?

The AfDB Internship Program is a capacity-building initiative aimed at nurturing Africa’s future leaders. Interns work across AfDB departments to support development projects focused on poverty reduction, infrastructure growth, industrialization, and climate resilience.

This program aligns with AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy (2023–2032), which targets five key sectors:

Energy
Agro-business
Industrialization
Regional Integration
Quality of Life improvement

Through these areas, AfDB drives inclusive economic transformation across its 54 member countries.

AfDB Internship Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026 AfDB Internship Program, applicants must:

Be nationals of an AfDB member country.
Be under 30 years old at the time of starting the internship.
Be enrolled in a master’s program at a recognized institution (or apply within one year of graduation).
Be fluent in English or French, with proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
Have strong academic performance in disciplines relevant to AfDB’s operations (finance, economics, law, environment, engineering, communications, etc.).

Applicants are required to provide proof of enrollment or a recent degree certificate when applying.

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Internship Duration and Benefits

Selected interns will serve for a period of three to six months, depending on the Bank’s departmental needs.

Benefits include:

Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
Medical insurance fully funded by AfDB.
Remote or on-site work options depending on the department’s requirements.
Visa support for on-site interns.

On-site interns are responsible for their travel and accommodation costs, while remote interns must have access to reliable internet and a suitable work environment.

Strategic Focus Areas

The AfDB internship cuts across several professional domains tied to the Bank’s developmental focus. These include:

Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth
Agriculture, Private Sector & Industrialization
Economics, Statistics, and Governance
Finance, Audit & Anti-Corruption
Public Relations, Communication, and Gender
Legal, HR, and Corporate Services

This broad range of disciplines ensures diverse career exposure for interns while advancing AfDB’s operational excellence.

How to Apply for the 2026 AfDB Internship

To apply:

Visit the AfDB Internship Application Page on the official website.
Complete the online application form.
Upload all required documents, including a comprehensive CV and a letter of enrollment or recent degree.
Submit the application before the deadline, November 14, 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments.

Why the AfDB Internship Matters

The AfDB Internship is more than a short-term placement, it’s an investment in Africa’s human capital. Interns get real-world exposure to high-impact projects while building networks with top African professionals. It’s a stepping stone toward future employment within international development institutions.

FAQs About the 2026 AfDB Internship Program

1. What is the African Development Bank AfDB Internship Program?

It’s a structured training opportunity for students pursuing master’s degrees to gain professional experience in AfDB’s operations related to Africa’s economic and social development.

2. Who is eligible to apply for the 2026 AfDB Internship Program?

Applicants must be nationals of AfDB member countries, under 30 years old, and enrolled in or recently graduated from a master’s degree program.

3. Is the AfDB Internship Program paid?

Yes. Interns receive a monthly stipend and health insurance funded by the Bank.

4. How long does the internship last?

Internships last between three and six months, depending on departmental needs.

5. Can interns work remotely?

Yes. Some departments allow remote internships, provided the intern has access to stable internet and a conducive work environment.

6. When is the application deadline?

Thedeadline is November 14, 2025. Late submissions are not considered.

7. What fields does the internship cover?

AfDB internships cover fields such as finance, energy, agriculture, law, human resources, communications, and governance.

8. Will AfDB assist with visas?

Yes. The Bank supports visa arrangements for on-site interns but does not cover travel or accommodation costs.

9. What are the benefits of participating in the AfDB internship?

Interns gain professional experience, develop practical skills, expand their networks, and position themselves for future AfDB recruitment opportunities.

10. How do I apply?

Applications are submitted online through the official AfDB careers portal, with a CV and enrollment proof attached.