Embracing the Challenge: A Swiss Perspective on the Rewarding Experience of the AfDB Young Professionals Programme
Grace Karekezi is a Swiss national who successfully navigated the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Young Professionals Programme (YPP) application process. She is now thriving in her rotations across the bank's diverse departments in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. We asked her to share her insights into the application process, the preparation and challenges faced, her present work life, and what she finds rewarding. She also gives valuable tips for those considering applying to the AfDB's YPP.
About Grace Karekezi
Grace Karekezi is a young professional currently working as a financial analyst under the AfDB's Young Professionals Programme (YPP). She holds a Master’s degree in International Management from the University of Lausanne and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Geneva. She has been working in finance for close to a decade. Born and raised in Switzerland with Rwandan roots, Grace has always felt a strong connection to Africa. Joining the YPP programme in 2022 was a dream come true for her.
In the picture above you can see Grace with the other participants of the Young Professionals Programme.
What motivated you to apply for the AfDB's Young Professionals Programme?
After graduating, I worked in the private sector for almost seven years. I've always had a strong desire to redirect my career towards impactful development work. My strong affinity for Africa, combined with witnessing Rwanda's impressive reconstruction after the 1994 genocide of Tutsis, highlighted how strategic investments and targeted policies can transform a nation's trajectory. The AfDB's YPP really aligned with my professional goals and personal values and provided me with a unique platform to be involved in initiatives that drive Africa's development. I was drawn to the programme’s commitment to fostering leaders who are not just technically skilled but also passionate about making a meaningful difference in Africa.
How did you prepare for the YPP application process? What resources did you find most helpful?
I thoroughly researched the AfDB's strategic priorities and the details of the YPP programme to understand how my skills and experience aligned with the programme's objectives. For example, I reviewed the AfDB’s annual reports, policy documents and project reports to familiarise myself with the bank’s structure, impact and methodologies. I also connected with previous YPPs and AfDB staff through my network and LinkedIn to gain insight and advice on the application process.
Could you walk us through the different stages of the selection process?
I first applied online in 2019, where I submitted my CV, motivation letter, and responses to several questions. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I didn’t hear back until two years later, in 2021, when the official recruitment process began.
The first step involved completing online assessments to evaluate my analytical and cognitive abilities, including a timed numerical assessment and a verbal reasoning test. After successfully passing these assessments, I moved on to a written test, which required me to analyse a case study and answer related questions to assess my problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Following the written test, I participated in a group exercise where we had to discuss and present a case study. This stage focused on evaluating key competencies such as teamwork, negotiation, communication, and leadership.
The final stage of the process was a panel interview with senior officials from the African Development Bank. This interview assessed both technical and behavioural competencies relevant to my job family in finance.
In total, the evaluation process took about two months from start to finish.
The application process was highly competitive, with over 12,000 applicants from 79 countries and only 35 selected for the programme.
What was the most challenging aspect of the application process, and how did you overcome it?
For me, the panel interview was the most challenging aspect of the application process because I came from a private sector background and had to quickly adapt to the development-focused context of the questions. To prepare, I reviewed key development theories, studied the AfDB's strategic framework, and reviewed relevant case studies to ensure I could discuss different topics confidently. I also worked on improving my presentation skills to help manage my nerves during the interview and communicate more clearly.
You're currently in the YPP. Can you describe your experience so far? What have been some of the key learning moments?
It was incredibly rewarding and transformative, allowing me to reshape my career path towards development. The structure of the programme, with three one-year rotations in different departments, has given me a broad understanding of the bank's operations and taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of cross-functional collaboration and the need for innovative solutions to address complex development challenges.
Starting the programme with a cohort of over 30 other young professionals has also created a strong sense of community, making the experience more enjoyable and supportive. I also really appreciate the multicultural environment at the AfDB; bringing together professionals from different backgrounds and cultures fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. I find it both intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling, as it allows for constant learning and growth.
As a Swiss national, what unique perspective do you feel you bring to the programme?
My background is shaped by Switzerland's strong tradition of international cooperation, commitment to sustainable development and disciplined approach to work. Growing up in a country known for its neutrality and inclusiveness has influenced my approach to problem-solving and collaboration. In addition, my upbringing in the international and multicultural environment of Geneva has given me the ability to easily navigate and thrive in the diverse environment of the AfDB.
You’ve mentioned that the programme includes rotations across different functions of the bank. Which rotations have you completed or are you currently in, and how are they contributing to your professional growth?
During my first rotation, I worked in the Syndication and Co-Financing Division. This department focuses on mobilising and deploying capital from established co-financing facilities, and managing project risk and overall syndication activities. In the second rotation, I worked in the Financial Management Division, which provided fiduciary support for the bank's sovereign operations geared towards governments and the public sector. My current and third rotation is in the Energy Financial Solutions Division, which manages non-sovereign, private sector-oriented projects in the energy sector. Each rotation has significantly broadened my understanding of the bank's operations and given me an insight into both the public and private sector aspects of development finance. It has taught me to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments and quickly adapt to new challenges.
What skills or experiences from the YPP do you find most valuable in your day-to-day work now?
The programme has equipped me with several invaluable skills, including strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership. I have learnt how important it is to collaborate seamlessly across the various departments and teams. The programme's strong focus on leadership development, including training and mentorship opportunities, has also been instrumental in my preparation for greater responsibilities in the future.
Finally, I have learnt to approach my work with a humbly and open-mindedly, recognising that I am continuously learning. I have also had the opportunity to meet several bank staff members who are eager to support and guide me along the way.
What advice would you give young professionals considering applying for the 2024 YPP cohort?
Approach the application process with a good understanding of the AfDB’s mission and how your unique skills and experience align with it. Be prepared to showcase not only your technical expertise, but also your leadership potential, and dedication to Africa’s development. Articulate your motivation and demonstrate your fitness for the programme.
Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone.
Embrace the learning opportunity and the fact that the programme will challenge you in new and unexpected ways, as growth often occurs when you push beyond your familiar boundaries. And finally, be patient, resilient, and open-minded, as not everything may go as expected. By maintaining these qualities, you can overcome challenges and achieve your goals. The application process is very competitive, but the chance to contribute to meaningful change in Africa makes it an immensely rewarding opportunity.