The Mandela Washington Fellowship for YALI (Young African Leaders Initiative) is the U.S. Government’s premier program, set to welcome up to 700 emerging African leaders to the United States in the summer of 2025. This fully funded, six-week exchange program is designed to empower young leaders through academic coursework, hands-on training, and professional networking. The fellowship aims to enhance participants’ leadership skills and equip them to make a significant impact in their respective sectors and communities. During the program, fellows will engage in intensive leadership institute coursework hosted by U.S. colleges or universities.
The Fellowship is scheduled to run from mid-June to early August 2025. Sponsored by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX, the Mandela Washington Fellowship covers all program costs. There is no application fee. Below, you'll find more details about the application process, eligibility requirements, and the numerous benefits of this incredible opportunity.
Details About the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025
- Host Country: United States
- Financial Benefits: Fully Funded
- Funded by: U.S. Department of State
- Application Deadline: 10th September 2024
- Also Check: Youth Interfaith Leaders Fellowship, USA (Fully Funded)
Fellowship Participation
Up to 700 young leaders from across Africa will have the opportunity to travel to the United States in the summer of 2025.
Overview of the Mandela Washington Fellowship
Six-week Leadership Institute: Fellows will be placed in groups of 25 at leading U.S. educational institutions, located in both urban and rural areas. Participants will study Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management. Learn more about Leadership Institutes.
Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit in Washington, D.C.: After completing their Leadership Institute, all fellows will convene in Washington, D.C. for a high-level summit in July 2025. This gathering will provide opportunities to network with fellow participants and influential U.S. leaders from government, business, and non-profit sectors through various interactive sessions.
Optional Four-week Professional Development Experience (PDE): Fellows may apply to extend their stay with a Professional Development Experience at a U.S. NGO, business, or government agency. This opportunity is available for up to 100 fellows.
Alumni Opportunities
Upon returning home, fellows will continue to benefit from networking, professional development, and volunteer opportunities.
Financial Benefits
The U.S. Government provides extensive financial support, including:
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip airfare from the fellow’s home city to the United States, as well as domestic transport
- Participation in the six-week Leadership Institute
- Attendance at the concluding summit in Washington, D.C.
- A limited accident and sickness benefit plan
- Housing and meals during the program
- An optional four-week Professional Development Experience (for up to 100 fellows)
Mandela Washington Fellowship Requirements
To be eligible for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 25 and 35 by the application deadline (exceptions for applicants aged 21-24 may be considered)
- Not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Be eligible to receive a J-1 visa
Eligible Countries
Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply:
- Africa: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Selection Criteria
The selection process is competitive and considers the following:
- Significant achievements in business, community work, or government
- A commitment to helping others through volunteer work
- The ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people
- Strong communication skills
- A positive attitude and clear vision for applying what is learned
- A commitment to returning to Africa to contribute to local communities
- Also Check: Knight Hennessy Scholarship in the USA (Fully Funded)
Timeline
- September 10, 2024: Application deadline
- November 2024 – January 2025: Semi-finalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
- March 2025: Applicants notified of their status
- May 2025: Visa processing and pre-departure orientations for finalists
- June 2025: Fellowship begins in the United States
How to Apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025
To maximize your chances of success, take time to prepare a strong application. Be original, and answer all questions in English. Start your application, save it, and return later to refine it before submission. Avoid copying and do not share your answers with others.
For tips on creating a strong application, visit the official website linked below.
