Deadline: November 30, 2025
Applications are open for the AfDB Young Professionals Program 2026. The Young Professionals Program (YPP) is a diversity focused talent development program, to create a leadership pipeline and workforce of the future for the Bank. This program offers exceptional career opportunities to talented young professionals with the ethos of future development specialists. It is a strategic talent development program designed to:
- Develop a professional pipeline of workforce of the future for the Bank;
- Nurture potential development specialists and professional talent for the Bank; and
- Contribute to the Bank’s diversity targets.
Program Details
The Program targets high-potential, best-in-class young professionals with a strong passion for Africa’s development and transformation. It offers exceptional career opportunities to talented young professionals with outstanding academic and professional achievements, to make a difference for the development and transformation of the African continent. The Bank aims to attract highly qualified and motivated professionals from its member countries for a productive and rewarding career. Through the Young Professionals Program, the Bank ensures continuity and excellence in the management of its work programs and the provision of policy advice and services to its Regional Member Countries.
To facilitate their journey, onboarding and career development in the Bank, a number of tools have been put in place to support the YPs namely:
- Rotation
- Capacity Development
- Mentorship and coaching programs
- Graduation and integration into the bank
Eligibility
- Bearer of citizenship of a member country of the Bank.
- 32 years of age or younger by 30th of November 2025.
- Master’s degree in any discipline that is relevant to the business of the Bank, with outstanding academic credentials.
- At least 3 years’ post-graduate work experience in areas related to the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy and Four Cardinal Points.
- Hands-on experience on the African continent or in other developing regions.
- Passion for Africa’s development.
- Capacity to leverage knowledge, share and coach others – work effectively in teams with displayed high adaptability to a diverse environment.
- Teamwork, negotiation, client orientation, communication, strategic perspective, leadership and project management skills.
- Strong analytical & reporting skills, entrepreneurial drive, results-orientation and problem-solving capability.
- High business acumen and innovative mindset.
- Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, preferably with a working knowledge of the other language.
- Ability to work in a digital environment and embrace technology as it
evolves. - Willingness to work and live in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Bank’s Headquarters and any other country where the Bank may require the services.
- Proficiency in the use of standard MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Practical knowledge of SAP systems will be an advantage.
- Ability to travel continentally when required.
Application
- If you are currently working at the African Development Bank as a regular staff, click here to apply
- If you are not currently working at the African Development Bank, or if you are a Short Term Staff (STS), a Technical Assistant or a Consultant at the Bank, click here to apply
For more information, visit AfDB Young Professionals Program.
