Apply now for the African Development Bank Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2025. A 3-year international leadership program for young professionals committed to Africa’s transformation. Deadline: November 30, 2025.
Launch Your Global Development Career with AfDB
Applications are now open for the prestigious African Development Bank (AfDB) Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2025 — a world-class, fully funded leadership and career acceleration opportunity for young professionals passionate about Africa’s growth and transformation.
Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (Headquarters) or other AfDB offices across Africa
Position Grade: PL6
Program Duration: 3 years
About the African Development Bank
Established in 1964, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution, promoting inclusive economic growth and social progress across the continent. With 81 member countries — including 54 Regional Member Countries (RMCs) — the Bank provides financial and technical support for transformative projects designed to reduce poverty and build sustainable prosperity.
Guided by its Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) and its Four Cardinal Points, the Bank aims to:
- Unlock Africa’s Capital Power
- Rebuild Africa’s Financial Sovereignty
- Turn Demographics into a Dividend
- Build Resilient Infrastructure and Add Real Value
Through these pillars, AfDB is driving Africa’s transformation in energy, agriculture, finance, infrastructure, and human capital development.
About the Young Professionals Program (YPP)
The AfDB Young Professionals Program (YPP) is a strategic, diversity-driven talent development initiative designed to build the Bank’s future leadership pipeline. It offers exceptional career opportunities for talented young professionals who are committed to Africa’s sustainable growth.
Through this 3-year structured program, Young Professionals (YPs) are exposed to a wide range of operations, mentorship, and leadership development experiences, enabling them to contribute effectively to the Bank’s mission and vision.
Objectives of the YPP
The Young Professionals Program aims to:
- Develop a professional pipeline of leaders for the Bank.
- Nurture future development specialists with a global perspective on African priorities.
- Enhance the Bank’s diversity and inclusion objectives by attracting top talent from all member countries.
Program Features
The AfDB YPP offers a blend of rotational assignments, mentorship, leadership training, and international exposure. It is structured to provide practical learning and professional growth opportunities within a dynamic, multicultural environment.
1. Rotations
Young Professionals rotate across three functional areas (complexes) during the program:
- Rotation 1 (Year 1): Apply technical and academic knowledge in real projects.
- Rotation 2 (Year 2): Stretch skills and explore new functions.
- Rotation 3 (Final 9 months): Transition and specialize in a department aligned with career goals.
At least one rotation may take place at a Country or Regional Office.
2. Capacity Development
The Young Professionals Learning Faculty provides a structured training framework that includes:
- Technical courses tailored to AfDB’s operations.
- Leadership and management workshops.
- Onboarding programs and global certifications.
- Exposure to postgraduate-level executive courses with top institutions.
YPs also undergo on-the-job training across departments and project environments to gain hands-on experience in policy design, project delivery, and client engagement.
3. Mentorship and Coaching
Each YP is paired with experienced mentors, coaches, and peer advisors, who guide professional development and help with integration into AfDB’s culture.
The program promotes networking across the Bank’s global offices and teams, ensuring exposure to multiple development sectors.
4. Graduation and Integration
Upon successful completion of:
- Three mandatory rotations,
- The YP Learning Faculty,
- Mentorship requirements, and
- Performance evaluations,
YPs are integrated into the Bank’s professional workforce at the PL5 grade level, securing a permanent role within AfDB.
Strategic Focus Areas for the 2025 Intake
The 2025 YPP aligns with the AfDB Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) and its Four Cardinal Points.
The Bank seeks candidates with expertise in fields such as:
- Information Technology and Digitalization (AI, robotics, cybersecurity)
- Agriculture and Food Systems
- Human Capital Development and Youth Employment
- Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Environmental)
- Investment and Portfolio Management
- Procurement and Operations Management
- Performance Monitoring and Risk Management
- Financial Management and Resource Mobilization
- Governance and Public Policy
- Economics, Data Science, and Statistics
- Human Resources Management
- Legal Affairs and Corporate Governance
- Communications and Public Relations
- Translation, Interpretation, and Linguistics
- Environmental Management and Climate Policy
Candidates with interdisciplinary skills across finance, sustainability, and digital innovation are particularly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria for African Development Bank Young Professionals Program
To be considered for the African Development Bank YPP 2025, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be a citizen of an AfDB member country. |
| Age Limit | Must be 32 years old or younger by November 30, 2025. |
| Education | A Master’s degree in a discipline relevant to the Bank’s areas of operation (e.g., economics, finance, engineering, environmental studies, etc.). |
| Experience | At least 3 years of post-graduate work experience related to AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy. |
| Language Skills | Proficiency in English or French is required, with a working knowledge of the other language preferred. |
| Technology Skills | Competence in MS Office and familiarity with SAP systems is an advantage. |
| Mobility | Willingness to work and live in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and travel within Africa. |
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Passion for Africa’s development.
- Strong leadership and analytical abilities.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Proven problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
AfDB is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and gender equality.
Female candidates and applicants from underrepresented member countries are strongly encouraged to apply.
Priority consideration will be given to nationals of:
Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cape Verde, China, Comoros, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Finland, Ireland, Kuwait, Libya, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, São Tomé & Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, South Korea, South Sudan, Sweden, and Turkey.
How to Apply
Application Process
- Visit the AfDB careers portal:
👉 https://www.afdb.org - Review the full job posting and eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your application package:
- Updated CV
- Motivation letter demonstrating commitment to Africa’s development
- Official ID (passport or national ID card)
- Submit your application through the portal before November 30, 2025 (midnight Abidjan time).
For technical issues, email HRDirect@afdb.org with a detailed description or screenshot of the problem.
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Important Notes
- The YPP is classified under international recruitment, with global employment terms.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessments or interviews.
- The African Development Bank Group never charges fees at any stage of recruitment.
- Dual nationality is not accepted; applicants must declare one nationality for the duration of their employment.
Meta Description
Apply now for the African Development Bank Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2025. A 3-year international leadership program for young professionals committed to Africa’s transformation. Deadline: November 30, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the duration of the AfDB YPP?
The program lasts three years, including rotational placements and leadership training.
2. Do I need to be an African citizen to apply?
No, applicants can be from any AfDB member country (both regional and non-regional members).
3. Is there an age limit?
Yes, candidates must be 32 years old or younger by November 30, 2025.
4. Do I need previous work experience?
Yes, at least three years of professional experience is required in a field relevant to AfDB’s strategy.
5. What happens after completing the program?
Successful graduates are integrated into AfDB’s workforce as PL5-level professionals.
6. Is the program open to women?
Yes. Women are highly encouraged to apply as part of AfDB’s gender inclusion strategy.
7. What is the application deadline?
Applications close on November 30, 2025.
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