Applications Extended for the 2022 Reciprocal Exchange Component
Through October 20, 2021, Fellowship Alumni and their U.S. collaborators can apply to implement a Reciprocal Exchange in 2022.
Learn MoreCalling All Educational Institutions
Learn more about how your institution can host a 2022 Leadership Institute. Applications will be accepted through October 15, 2021.
Learn MoreHundreds of Young African Leaders Convene Virtually to Collaborate on Resilience and Inclusion
Learn more about the virtual 2021 Summit, keynote and plenary speakers, and more.
Learn MoreSeeking Readers for 2022 Fellowship Applications
The U.S. Department of State and IREX seek academic, professional, and regional experts to read and score applications for the 2022 Fellowship.
Learn MoreSupporting Farmers Through Renewable Energy
2016 Fellowship Alumnus Dysmus Kisilu is helping rural farmers reduce post-harvest loss through mobile solar-powered cold storage units.
Learn MoreABOUT US
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). YALI was created in 2010 and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2020. Established in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has brought nearly 4,400 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training. The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries.
Learn MoreBUREAU OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX.
Program Impact
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49
?Sub-Saharan African CountriesFellows have come from all 49 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. -
5,100
?Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni NetworkSince 2014, nearly 5,100 Fellowship Alumni have completed the program. -
2,300
?Companies and Organziations EngagedSince 2014, the program has engaged more than 2,300 institutions from the private, nonprofit, governmental, and multilateral sectors across the United States during Institutes, PDEs, Reciprocal Exchanges, and the Summit. -
39,000
?Hours of Support Dedicated to U.S. CommunitiesSince 2016, Fellows have dedicated more than 39,000 hours of service to support U.S. communities during their Leadership Institutes.
Stories
Tobiloba Ajayi and Racheal Inegbedion, 2016 and 2021 Fellowship Alumnae, are passionate advocates for improving the quality of life of families with special needs children in Nigeria. Learn more in...
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News
Apply Now for the 2022 Reciprocal Exchange Component
September 16, 2021
News
Opportunities for Host Educational Institutions for 2022 Fellowship
September 2, 2021
Learn more about the 2022 Mandela Washington Fellowship!
“I believe that the Mandela Washington Fellowship has made me a stronger and better leader and has challenged me to think outside the box… There can only be more, bigger, and better to come from me, my fellow Fellows, and the continent of Africa as a whole.”
– Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumna
The 2022 Fellowship Application is now closed. Check out the 2022 Fellowship Application timeline and process, eligibility information, and more. We can't wait to meet the next Mandela Washington Fellows!
Learn more-
September 15, 2021
Application Closed
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Nov 2021-Jan 2022
Semifinalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
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Late March 2022
Applicants are notified of their status
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April-May 2022
Finalist visa processing and Pre-Departure Orientations
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June 2022
Fellowship begins in the United States
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July 2022
2022 Fellowship Summit takes place
Fellowship Directory
Including Fellows, Reciprocal Exchange Participants, and U.S. Partners
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