African Development Bank Young Professionals Program 2025 for young Africans.

Application Deadline: December 31st, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 African Development Bank Young Professionals Program. The Young Professionals Program (YPP) is a diversity focused talent development program, to create a leadership pipeline and workforce of the future for the Bank. This program offers exceptional career opportunities to talented young professionals with the ethos of future development specialists. It is a strategic talent development program designed to:

• Contribute to the Bank’s diversity targets.
• Develop a professional pipeline of workforce of the future for the Bank;
• Nurture potential development specialists and  professional talent for the Bank; and

The Program targets high-potential, best-in-class young professionals with a strong passion for Africa’s development and transformation. It offers exceptional career opportunities to talented young professionals with outstanding academic and professional achievements, to make a difference for the development and transformation of the African continent. The Bank aims to attract highly qualified and motivated professionals from its member countries for a productive and rewarding career. Through the Young Professionals Program, the Bank ensures continuity and excellence in the management of its work programs and the provision of policy advice and services to its Regional Member Countries.

To facilitate their journey, onboarding and career development in the Bank, a number of tools  have been put in place to support the YPs namely:

1. Rotation
2. Capacity Development
3. Mentorship and coaching programs
4. Graduation and integration into the bank

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Bearer of citizenship of a member country of the Bank.
2. 32 years of age or younger by 30^th of November 2025.
3. Master’s degree in any discipline that is relevant to the business of the Bank, with outstanding academic credentials.
4. At least 3 years’ post-graduate work experience in areas related to the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy and Four Cardinal Points.
5. Hands-on experience on the African continent or in other developing regions.
6. Passion for Africa’s development.
7. Capacity to leverage knowledge, share and coach others – work effectively in teams with displayed high adaptability to a diverse environment.
8. Teamwork, negotiation, client orientation, communication, strategic perspective, leadership and project management skills.
9. Strong analytical & reporting skills, entrepreneurial drive, results-orientation and problem-solving capability.
10. High business acumen and innovative mindset.
11. Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, preferably with a working knowledge of the other language.
12. Ability to work in a digital environment and embrace technology as it
    evolves.
13. Willingness to work and live in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Bank’s Headquarters and any other country where the Bank may require the services.
14.  Proficiency in the use of standard MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Practical knowledge of SAP systems will be an advantage.
15. Ability to travel continentally when required.

The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer.

1. 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.

THIS IS A THREE-YEAR PROGRAM AND IS CLASSIFIED AS INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT, WHICH ATTRACTS INTERNATIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

 Rotation

1. The YP rotates into three different complexes in the Bank.
2. The YP’s first complex is one aligned or relevant to the skills identified during the recruitment process. After the first complex, the YP will have to undertake two other rotations, one of which may be in a Country or Regional Office.
3. The first two years will be spent on mandatory rotational placements across the Bank’s various functions. The rotations will essentially seek to achieve the following sequenced objectives:

1. Rotation 1 – Demonstrate applied knowledge and experience (one year)
2. Rotation 2 – Stretch and learn (one year)
3. Rotation 3 – Transition (9 months, including 3 months) in a complex where one will graduate

Capacity Development

1. A Professional and Personal Development Program is structured under the Young Professionals Learning Faculty with specific learning interventions delivered in phases.
2. These learning interventions serve to deepen technical knowledge and build leadership skills required for effective delivery of assignments and future roles in the Bank. 
3. The faculty includes onboard training courses, customized postgraduate program with a reputable institution, the Bank’s Operations Academy, international certification programs etc.
4.  The YP Learning Faculty also includes on-the job training which requires immersion into various functional areas of the Bank for hands-on experience in projects and various work assignments.

Mentorship and Coaching Programs

The mentorship and coaching programs ensures a faster integration into the Bank’s culture and offer a robust support mechanism from mentors, coaches and buddy groups.

Graduation and integration into the Bank

Only Young Professionals who have successfully completed the YP Learning Faculty, three mandatory rotations, mentoring program, exhibited high performance and high potential, and no ethics related issues, will be integrated into the Bank’s workforce, automatically graduating at PL5 grade level.  

Selection Process Timeline

Step 1: Announcement & Applications

Announcement of vacancies and invitation for applications from suitably qualified candidates for the YPP.

Step 2: Screening & Shortlisting

Screening and evaluation of applications to determine candidates who should be on the short list for assessment simulation exercises and panel interviews.

Step 3: Assessment Simulation

Participation in assessment simulation exercises.

Step 4: Panel Interviews

Panel interviews.

Step 5: Background Verification

Screening and background checks.

How to Apply

Please note that application for admission to the AfDB YPP is an online process. The YPP is highly competitive program, and you are advised to provide as much relevant information as possible.

Important: Applicants with dual nationality are advised that the Bank recognizes only one nationality from a member country; as such, kindly indicate the nationality you wish to declare.

Successful candidates from the selection process will be appointed YPs under their declared nationalities for the duration of the Program and any continuing contract with the Bank.

Application Checklist

The application checklist is meant to facilitate your application experience.

• Provide an email address and an alternative one. Fill in the correct e-mail address since this will be the main means of communication
• Answer all the questions
• Provide the most current contact information. Ensure that you email us with updated data, and your contacts should change during the recruitment process
• Complete phone number (country code + city code + number)
• Upload the following required documents (mandatory):
  • Maximum three page Curriculum Vitae in Microsoft Word version/pdf.
  • Copies of Academic Certificates/Transcripts.
  • Copy of national passport

Should you encounter technical difficulties in submitting your application, please send an email with a precise description of the issue and/or a screenshot showing the problem to: HR Direct [email protected]

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the African Development Bank Young Professionals Program