The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship, hosted by Chatham House, is a prestigious programme designed to support emerging African leaders in international affairs. Delivered in partnership with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the fellowship offers a unique opportunity for professionals at the early-to-mid stage of their careers to advance their research, leadership, and global networks. The programme enables fellows to spend ten months in London engaging in independent research while contributing to the broader mission of addressing global challenges and shaping policy solutions. Eligibility Criteria The fellowship is open to a diverse range of applicants who demonstrate strong academic, professional, and leadership potential. Applicants must meet the following requirements: Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an African country Dual nationals are eligible if one nationality is African Education: Must hold a completed undergraduate degree (BA or equivalent) Demonstrated experience in conducting research Career Background: Early-to-mid-career professionals Relevant sectors include: Academia Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) Business Government institutions Civil society Media Additional Expectations: Strong interest in international affairs Familiarity with the mission and research focus of Chatham House Proven or potential leadership capability Proficiency in spoken English Notably, there are no age restrictions, making the fellowship accessible to a broad range of qualified candidates. Fellowship Structure and Duration The fellowship runs for ten months, typically from October to July, and is based full-time in London, with hybrid work options available. The programme is structured around three core components: Personal Research Project (60%) Fellows design and execute an independent research project Work is guided by a Chatham House expert Focus is placed on producing impactful, policy-relevant insights Leadership Masterclass Programme (20%) Structured training aimed at developing leadership and strategic thinking Enhances professional growth and self-awareness Contribution to Ongoing Research (20%) Fellows collaborate with research teams Support existing institutional projects aligned with global policy priorities Participants are expected to commit full-time and may not engage in additional work or academic study during the fellowship period. Leadership Development Programme A defining feature of the fellowship is its comprehensive leadership training, designed to prepare fellows for influential roles in their respective fields. Key components include: Induction Week A five-day intensive orientation Introduction to research teams and fellowship expectations Initial personal coaching session Thematic Sessions Discussions on global challenges with subject matter experts Peer learning and collaborative engagement Leadership Skills Workshops Topics include: Policy impact strategies Stakeholder mapping Crisis management Negotiation techniques Leadership Briefings Informal engagements with global leaders from various sectors Insights into real-world leadership experiences Project Presentations Regular presentations to peers and experts Feedback-driven improvement and interdisciplinary learning Personal Development Coaching One-on-one sessions with professional coaches Goal setting and long-term career planning Media Training Practical training for television and radio interviews Mock interviews with structured feedback Career Mentoring (Optional) Mentorship opportunities to support career progression Financial Support and Benefits The fellowship provides comprehensive financial and professional support to ensure participants can fully focus on their development. Fellows receive: A monthly stipend of £2,565 to cover: Accommodation Utilities Food Transport Additional support includes: Travel and relocation expenses Visa sponsorship and fees (if required) UK Immigration Health Surcharge Research-related costs (fieldwork, events, publications) Post-fellowship benefits: Access to the Academy’s global alumni network Continued engagement with faculty and experts Five-year membership at Chatham House Application Requirements and Selection Process Applicants must submit a complete application package demonstrating their qualifications and proposed research. Required documents: Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé Names of two referees Research proposal aligned with programme themes Selection criteria include: Eligibility based on nationality Academic or professional research experience Demonstrated leadership potential Alignment with the mission and values of Chatham House Ability to articulate potential impact Motivation and commitment to the fellowship Strong communication skills in English Selection process: Stage One: Application review and shortlisting by the selection committee Stage Two: Virtual interviews conducted by senior staff and programme representatives Final candidates are selected and notified The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship: Conclusion The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship represents a significant opportunity for African professionals to deepen their expertise, expand their global networks, and contribute meaningfully to international policy discourse. Through a structured combination of research, leadership training, and collaboration, the programme equips fellows with the tools needed to address complex global challenges and drive positive change in their respective fields. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY