African Development Bank Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2025 | Apply Online and Gain Global skills and experience

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has launched the Young Professionals Program (YPP) — a three-year strategic talent development initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of African leaders. Established as part of the Bank’s wider Talent Management Framework, the YPP is designed to create a professional pipeline of high-performing individuals committed to driving Africa’s transformation in line with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) and Four Cardinal Points.

Through rotational placements, mentorship, and advanced capacity-building opportunities, young professionals will gain exposure across various departments, acquiring the skills and experience required to become future leaders of the Bank. The program offers international terms of employment and placement in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire or other African locations as determined by the Bank.

Program Overview 

Eligibility Criteria

The Young Professionals Program is open to talented, motivated, and high-potential individuals from the Bank’s member countries who are passionate about Africa’s development. Applicants must be 32 years old or younger by 30 November 2025, hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, and possess at least three years of post-graduate professional experience. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, along with an innovative mindset and high adaptability to diverse environments.

Proficiency in English or French (preferably both) is essential, along with readiness to live and work in Abidjan or any other African location.

Female candidates and nationals from underrepresented member countries are strongly encouraged to apply.

Minimum Requirements:

• Citizenship of an AfDB member country
• Maximum age: 32 years by 30 November 2025
• Master’s degree in a discipline relevant to the Bank’s priorities
• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience
• Passion for Africa’s socio-economic transformation
• Strong leadership potential, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency in English or French (with working knowledge of the other)
• Willingness to relocate and travel continentally

Online Application

Interested applicants should submit their online applications through the African Development Bank’s career portal at https://www.afdb.org/en/vacancy/young-professionals-program-88098. Applications must include a concise CV and any other required supporting documents.

If you are a current AfDB staff member, apply through the internal link provided on the portal. External candidates, including short-term staff or consultants, should use the external candidate link.

For technical assistance, applicants may contact HRDirect@AFDB.ORG with a detailed description of the issue. Please note that the AfDB does not request any form of payment during its recruitment process and does not accept dual nationality.

Ensure that you submit your application before 30 November 2025 to be considered for this prestigious opportunity to shape the future of Africa’s development.