African Development Bank Internship Program

The African Development Bank Group Internship Program is a competitive professional training opportunity designed to give students and recent graduates practical exposure to international development work. The program is offered at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and in regional or country offices, either remotely or on-site depending on operational needs. Internships typically run for 3 to 6 months and are awarded only once per candidate.

Objectives of the AfDB Internship Program

The program aims to:

• Provide interns with experience in an international working environment
• Build a talent pipeline for future recruitment within AfDB
• Increase awareness of the Bank’s development mandate across Africa
• Strengthen youth participation in Africa’s development agenda

Interns work under supervision in different departments, contributing to research, data analysis, project support, policy development, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must generally:

• Be 30 years or younger at the time of commencement
• Be enrolled in a Master’s degree program or have recently completed one (within 1 year)
• Be a citizen of an AfDB member country
• Be fluent in English or French (knowledge of the second language is an advantage)
• Provide proof of enrollment or graduation documents
• Have good computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Women and candidates with diverse language and multicultural experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Focus Areas / Departments (Possible Internship Vacancies)

AfDB interns are placed in departments aligned with its development priorities. Possible internship vacancies include:

1. Economics & Finance

• Development Economist Intern
• Financial Analysis Intern
• Budgeting & Planning Intern
• Investment Research Intern

2. Agriculture & Rural Development

• Agriculture Policy Intern
• Food Security Research Intern
• Rural Development Project Intern

3. Energy, Climate & Environment

• Renewable Energy Intern
• Climate Change Adaptation Intern
• Environmental & Social Safeguards Intern

4. Infrastructure & Private Sector Development

• Infrastructure Project Support Intern
• Transport & Urban Development Intern
• Private Sector Development Intern

5. Governance & Legal Services

• Legal Intern (Development Law)
• Governance & Public Policy Intern
• Anti-Corruption & Compliance Intern

6. ICT, Data & Statistics

• Data Analyst Intern
• Information Technology Support Intern
• Statistical Research Intern

7. Human Resources & Administration

• HR Management Intern
• Recruitment & Talent Development Intern
• Administrative Support Intern

8. Communications & External Relations

• Communications Intern
• Public Relations Intern
• Media & Content Development Intern

9. Gender & Social Development

• Gender Equality Intern
• Social Development Research Intern
• Youth Empowerment Programs Intern

Benefits of the Program

• Monthly stipend
• Medical insurance coverage
• Exposure to international development projects
• Networking with global professionals
• Opportunity to build a career in multilateral development institutions

Application Notes

Applications are submitted online through the AfDB careers portal. Selection is highly competitive and based on academic background, skills relevance, and alignment with the Bank’s development priorities.