African Development Bank - Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2026

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by Impactpool

Published on: 13 November 2025

Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, or any designated African location
Position Grade: PL6
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025

 

About the Bank

Founded in 1964, the African Development Bank (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development institution, driving economic growth and social progress across the continent. With 81 member states, including 54 in Africa, the Bank finances transformative projects that aim to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development.

 

Aligned with its Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), the Bank focuses on four strategic priorities:

  1. Unlock Africa’s capital power

  2. Rebuild Africa’s financial sovereignty

  3. Turn demographics into a dividend

  4. Build resilient infrastructure that adds real value

 

About the Young Professionals Program (YPP)

The YPP is a diversity-focused talent development program, designed to create a pipeline of future leaders for the Bank. It offers exceptional career opportunities for high-potential young professionals passionate about Africa’s development.

Program Goals:

  • Develop the next generation of development specialists

  • Foster professional growth and leadership within the Bank

  • Support the Bank’s diversity and inclusion objectives

 

 

Key Features

Participants in the YPP will:

  • Rotate through three different Bank complexes, gaining exposure to multiple functional areas

  • Participate in capacity development programs, including on-the-job training, professional certifications, and postgraduate learning

  • Receive mentorship and coaching to accelerate integration and career growth

  • Graduate into permanent roles at the Bank (PL5 grade) after completing the program successfully

Rotation Overview:

  1. Rotation 1: Apply knowledge and gain experience (1 year)

  2. Rotation 2: Stretch and learn (1 year)

  3. Rotation 3: Transition and integrate into a permanent role (9 months)

 

 

Strategic Focus Areas for 2025 Intake

The YPP recruits across disciplines aligned with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy and Four Cardinal Points, including:

  • Digitalization & IT Management (AI, Robotics, Cybersecurity)

  • Agriculture & Food Security

  • Human Capital & Youth Employment

  • Engineering & Infrastructure

  • Investment & Operations Management

  • Procurement, Risk & Financial Management

  • Governance, Economics, Statistics & Data

  • Communication, Legal & Corporate Governance
    …and other fields supporting Africa’s sustainable development

 

 

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be 32 years or younger by 30 Nov 2025

  • Hold a Master’s degree with strong academic credentials

  • Have at least 3 years’ relevant work experience

  • Demonstrate hands-on experience in Africa or other developing regions

  • Exhibit leadership, teamwork, and analytical skills

  • Communicate effectively in English or French (knowledge of both preferred)

  • Be willing to relocate to Abidjan or other locations as required

Additional Requirements:

  • Proficiency in MS Office; SAP knowledge is a plus

  • Ability to travel across Africa as needed

Diversity & Inclusion:

  • Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

  • Nationals from the following member countries are strongly encouraged to apply: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cape Verde, China, Comoros, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Finland, Ireland, Kuwait, Libya, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Sao Tome & Principe, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, South Korea. South Sudan, Sweden and Turkey.

 

Why Apply?

The YPP is a three-year program offering international terms of employment, professional development, and a clear pathway into leadership positions within the Bank. It’s ideal for young professionals eager to make a tangible impact on Africa’s growth and transformation.

Application & Support:
Apply before 30 November 2025.
For technical issues, email HRDirect@AFDB.ORG with a description and/or screenshot of the problem.

Learn More and Apply https://www.afdb.org/en/vacancy/young-professionals-program-88098