Meet the young Senegalese leaders studying in Ireland
The Ireland Fellows Programme provides a unique opportunity to early to mid-career professionals with leadership potential, to benefit from a prestigious, world-class, quality education.
The Fellows programme has been running globally for over 50 years.
With the opening of Ireland’s Embassy in Dakar, and to support the strengthening of people-to-people links between Ireland and Senegal, the first Fellowship Programme for Senegal was launched in 2023.
Fully-funded study
It offers selected students the opportunity to undertake a fully funded one-year master’s level programme at a higher education institution in Ireland. The award covers programme fees, flights, accommodation and living costs.
The programme is intended to support graduates on their return home, through the skills they develop, to contribute to capacity building in their home countries and to become one of the next generation of leaders in their respective fields.
Supporting national development
Since its launch in 2023, the Ireland Fellows Programme for Senegal has provided a unique educational opportunity to Senegalese young leaders from a range of backgrounds and disciplines all committed to supporting their country’s national development and the achievement of the sustainable development goals.
Meet Senegal's 2025/26 Ireland Fellows
Abdel Karim Diouf Msc in Geoinformatics at UCC
Abdel Karim Diouf is a Senegalese civil engineer, GIS specialist, and full-stack developer with experience in combining water resources engineering with digital solutions. He is currently pursuing a Msc in Geoinformatics at University College Cork (UCC).
“I am delighted to be one of the candidates who will be going to study in Ireland. This Master’s degree will strengthen my skills in my field of work, which is hydraulics.”
Gilberta Manga MA in International Development, UCD
Gilberta Manga is currently studying for an MA in International Development at University College Dublin (UCD). Gilberta, an environmental scientist, previously studied at the Institute of Environmental Sciences at Cheikh Anta Diop University and has worked for national and international NGOs on climate action and locally led development.
“This fellowship programme is very inclusive and offers young people the opportunity to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. I am delighted to be one of those who will be joining one of Ireland’s leading universities."
Mbene Diakhaté MSc in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security
Mbene is studying for a MSc in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security at the University of Galway (UCG). Mbene previously studied biodiversity and natural resource conservation at University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar and has a number of years of professional experience working on climate action and rural development with Senegalese and international NGOs.
“The skills that I will acquire throughout this training course will enable me to be better equipped to play a greater part in projects aimed at adapting to climate change and mitigating its effects»
Rossario Camara M Ed in Education For Sustainability And Global Citizenship
Rosario is studying M Ed in Education For Sustainability And Global Citizenship at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in Limerick. Rosario is an education professional and trained teacher who most recently worked in Senegal with the Ministry of Education. In her role, Rosario was responsible for supporting the implementation of Senegal’s national education plan, in particular on human resources and workforce planning and gender equality in the education sector.
“I highly recommend this fellowship to everyone. It is an opportunity that will enhance professional skills. On my return, I will put the skills I have learnt into practice to help develop my country, particularly in the education sector.”
Meet Senegal's 2024/25 Ireland Fellows
Arame Thioune, MSc Humanitarian Action, UCD
Arame Thioune travelled to Ireland in 2024 to take up her place studying a MSc in Humanitarian Action in University College Dublin.
"I'm very excited to live a year in Dublin, to return to Senegal fully bilingual, and to take advantage of all the professional and personal opportunities that this exceptional Fellowship programme offers me"
Mouhamdoune Dame Ndiéguène, MSc in Accounting and Financial Management, GCD
Mouhamdoune Dame Ndiéguène travelled to Ireland in 2024 to take up his place studying a MSc in Accounting and Financial Management at Griffith College in Dublin.
"I am honoured to part of the first generation of Senegalese selected for the prestigious Ireland Fellows Programme. With this opportunity I hope to contribute to financial inclusion in my community and development in Africa."
An expanding programme
The Ireland Fellows Programme promotes gender equality, equal opportunity, and welcomes diversity. The programme welcomes applications from applicants with disabilities, and applicants who belong to a minority or disadvantaged group. All are encouraged to apply!
The programme is intended to support graduates on their return home, through the skills they develop, to contribute to capacity building in their home countries and to become one of the next generation of leaders in their respective fields.
It is also envisaged that they will contribute to building enduring positive personal and professional relationships with Ireland, promoting institutional linkages.