2026 ECOWAS Immersion Internship Program for Young Africans

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially opened applications for the 2026 ECOWAS Immersion Internship Program. This initiative is designed to provide young graduates from West Africa with professional experience in ECOWAS institutions, preparing them for impactful careers while contributing to regional development.

About the ECOWAS Immersion Internship

The ECOWAS Immersion Internship Program is a one-year (non-renewable) initiative that allows recent graduates to work directly within ECOWAS departments, agencies, and institutions. Participants gain first-hand exposure to regional policies and projects while contributing to the implementation of key programs.

Program Overview

Host Organization: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Category: Internship & Training
Eligible Countries: All ECOWAS Member States
Duration: 12 months (non-renewable)
Reward: Monthly stipends and other compensations
Deadline: September 21, 2025

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ECOWAS Immersion Internship Program, applicants must:

Be a citizen of an ECOWAS Member State.
Be aged 32 years or younger.
Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (BSc), Master’s, PhD, or equivalent certificate.
Be available full-time for the entire duration of the program.

Benefits of the Internship

One year of professional experience at ECOWAS institutions.
Monthly stipends and other benefits.
Networking with professionals across West Africa.
Opportunity to contribute to regional policy and program implementation.
Participants will prepare a final report documenting their contributions and learnings.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents during the application process:

A request letter addressed to the ECOWAS Commissioner of Human Development and Social Affairs, explaining motivation, interests, and preferred immersion area.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) in PDF format.
Copy of national identity card or passport (PDF or JPEG).
Copy of academic certificates (PDF).

Note: Applicants can apply for a maximum of two positions.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the 2026 ECOWAS Immersion Internship Program:

Prepare all required documents in PDF/JPEG format.
Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
Submit your application through the official ECOWAS internship portal.

Interested and qualified candidates can apply using the link below:
Apply Here

Deadline

The application deadline is September 21, 2025. Early submission is encouraged to avoid last-minute challenges.

Tips for Applicants

Highlight leadership roles, community service, and relevant academic or professional achievements in your application.
Tailor your motivation letter to reflect ECOWAS’ values of regional integration and development.
Ensure all documents are properly labeled and in the required format.