Applications are now open for the 2026 African Development Bank Group Internship Program. The primary objectives of the Internship Program at the African Development Bank Group are to deepen the Bank’s efforts to advance development within its regional member countries (RMC) through capacity building activities.
The broad objectives of the Program are to provide the opportunity to acquire and develop the ability to work in an international environment, provide the Bank a pool of potential candidates in the future and enhance the visibility of the Bank and its development activities.
Internship Program Objectives
Provide students with the ability to work in an international environment;
Provide the Bank with a pool of potential candidates in the future; and
Enhance the visibility of the Bank and its development activities.
Eligibility Requirements
The Bank plans to recruit 40 interns as part of Session 1 of its 2026 Internship Program.
Program participants are selected on a competitive basis, reflecting the business needs of the Bank.
Minimum Requirements:
Must be 30 years old or younger by 31 December 2025.
Hold a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in a master’s degree program in a recognized public or private institution of higher learning OR be applying for the internship within one year of having obtained a master’s degree.
Proof of enrollment in a university / professional institution/ school.
Citizen of a Bank member country.
Able to communicate effectively (in writing and orally) in English or French, with a working knowledge of the other language.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
In addition to the above selection criteria, preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the following:
School supplies
Adaptability to multicultural settings.
Good communication skills.
Working knowledge of a third language relevant to the Bank’s operations.
Experience on projects that have a direct bearing on the Bank’s mission.
The Bank aims to select candidates with professional degrees in the following disciplines:
Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth
Agriculture, Human and Social Development
Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization
Economics, Statistics
Governance and Knowledge Management
Finance
Legal
Human Resources and Corporate Services: IT, Language Services, General Service & Procurement, HR Management
Audit, Anti-corruption
Evaluation
Communication & External Relations
Public Relations
Gender
Environmental and social assessment
Terms and conditions
Interns will be responsible for their air travel (in case of on-site internship) to and from the Bank’s location and their upkeep.
Interns will receive medical insurance paid by the Bank during their internship.
The Bank will use reasonable efforts to assist interns in obtaining entry and residence visas.
The internship will be authorized once only for any candidate.
Eligible interns will receive a monthly stipend.
Interns may be authorized to participate in an official Bank mission.
Internships will take place either at Bank headquarters in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) or in regional and country offices, either remotely or on-site depending on the needs of the hiring units.
Selection Cycle
The window for receiving applications for Session 1 of the 2026 Internship Program is 31 October to 14 November 2025.
All applicants will receive email notification of the outcome of their application by 14 December 2025.
Application Timeline:
Screening of applications – Lists of eligible candidates established
End date: November 22nd, 2025
User departments shortlist candidates End date: 28 November 2025
Shortlists submitted to Internship Review Committee End Date: December 2nd 2025
Internship Review Committee Meetings End Date: December 8, 2025
Final list of interns: December 8, 2025
Communication of final results to applicants and user departments End Date: December 14, 2025
Internship Start Date From: 16 January 2026
Method of Application
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: 14 November 2025