Published on July 21, 2026 – Updated on July 21, 2026
Cheick Camara, Arouna Zorome et Habibou Ibrahim Khassoum au siège de la Banque mondiale à Washington. Rachid Pafadnam au bureau pays de la banque à Brazzaville
Cheick Camara, Arouna Zorome et Habibou Ibrahim Khassoum au siège de la Banque mondiale à Washington. Rachid Pafadnam au bureau pays de la banque à Brazzaville

2026 WBG Africa Fellowship program: What a success for our PhD candidates and alumn!


Habibou Ibrahim Kassoum, Rachid Pafadnam, and Arouna Zorome — were selected to be Africa Fellows this year at the World Bank. We also extend our congratulations to our graduate Aguima Aime Bernard Lompo, who was also selected.  
 
This highly selective World Bank program is open to doctoral students and junior researchers. The World Bank selected twenty-four young researchers after the interview selection. Five members of CERDI and Université Clermont Auvergne successfully completed the rigorous and difficult selection process, which began with nearly 3,000 applicants. CERDI is proud that five of its junior researchers made it to the final selection. It’s a recognition of our Lab expertise. It confirms the relevance of the research our team conducts on sustainable economic development.  
 
Being fellows gave them the chance to work for six months within the teams of Andrew Dabalen, Chief Economist for the Africa region. It was an excellent opportunity for them to gain experience in applied research alongside international experts, to develop their skills, and to bridge their academic background with the organization's work. They were also able to bring new contributions and ideas to their research. 
 
We are very proud of you! Good luck in your future plans!

More information on the program and the 2026 Fellows.