Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 African Development Bank (AfDB) Young Professionals Program (YPP) — a premier talent development program designed to create a diverse leadership pipeline and develop the workforce of the future for the Bank.
The AfDB YPP offers exceptional career opportunities to talented young professionals who are passionate about Africa’s development and transformation.
—
About the Program
The Young Professionals Program is a three-year structured initiative that equips participants with professional experience and leadership training across various departments of the Bank. It is designed to:
Contribute to the Bank’s diversity and inclusion goals.
Build a pipeline of future leaders and development specialists.
Nurture high-potential professionals with the capacity to drive Africa’s transformation.
—
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
1. Citizen of a member country of the Bank.
2. 32 years of age or younger by November 30, 2025.
3. Hold a Master’s degree in a discipline relevant to the Bank’s business.
4. Have at least 3 years of post-graduate work experience aligned with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy and Four Cardinal Points.
5. Possess hands-on experience in Africa or other developing regions.
6. Demonstrate strong passion for Africa’s development.
7. Exhibit leadership, teamwork, communication, and project management skills.
8. Be analytical, innovative, and results-oriented.
9. Be proficient in English or French (knowledge of both is an advantage).
10. Be willing to work at AfDB Headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and possibly relocate to other duty stations.
11. Have proficiency in MS Office; knowledge of SAP is an advantage.
12. Be willing to travel continentally as needed.
> 💡 Female candidates and nationals of underrepresented member countries are strongly encouraged to apply.
—
Program Structure
Rotation
Participants rotate across three different departments (complexes) within the Bank.
Each rotation exposes participants to new functions, regions, and operational areas.
The three-year structure includes:
Rotation 1: Demonstrate applied knowledge and experience (Year 1)
Rotation 2: Stretch and learn (Year 2)
Rotation 3: Transition and graduation (9 months)
Capacity Development
Participants take part in the Young Professionals Learning Faculty, which provides:
Technical and leadership training
Tailored postgraduate programs
International certification courses
On-the-job learning and operational immersion
Mentorship and Coaching
Each participant is assigned mentors and coaches to guide their career journey and integration into the Bank’s culture.
Graduation and Integration
Successful participants who complete the rotations and demonstrate high performance will be integrated into the Bank’s workforce at PL5 grade level.
—
Selection Process Timeline
1. Announcement & Application – Call for applications and submission of documents.
2. Screening & Shortlisting – Evaluation of eligible candidates.
3. Assessment Simulation – Participation in exercises to assess technical and behavioral competencies.
4. Panel Interviews – Final selection interviews.
5. Background Verification – Reference and document checks.
—
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online through the official AfDB portal:
👉 Apply Here
Important:
Applicants with dual nationality should declare only one member country nationality.
Successful candidates will be appointed under the declared nationality for the duration of the program.
Application Checklist
Before applying, ensure you have:
A valid email address (and an alternate one).
Completed all required fields.
Uploaded the following mandatory documents:
Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages, Word/PDF).
Copies of academic certificates/transcripts.
Copy of national passport.
For technical issues, contact: HRDirect@AFDB.ORG
Program Details
Duration: 3 years
Recruitment Type: International
Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (with possible rotations to regional offices)
Employment Terms: International conditions
For More Information
Visit the official page of the African Development Bank Young Professionals Program
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.