A Program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Official website of the U.S. Department of State's Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
Alongside the UN General Assembly, Fellowship Alumni and members of the Fellowship Network hosted and attended events to connect and accelerate progress toward pressing global issues.
Learn MoreLearn how 2021 Fellowship Alumna Rhoda Wedam is making a difference in northern Ghana.
Learn MoreThe application for the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship is now closed. Learn more about the eligibility requirements and application timeline.
Apply nowLearn more about Marie Christina Kolo, 2017 Fellowship Alumna from Madagascar, a social entrepreneur, eco-feminist, and climate activist empowering women and youth in the fight against climate change.
Learn MoreCheck out recent stories about the Fellowship Alumni Network’s impact and accomplishments.
Learn MoreThe 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 5,800 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 MoreThe 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.
Each year on November 25, 2022, people around the world observe the International Day to End Violence Against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based...
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“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
Learn more about the 2023 Fellowship selection timeline and process, eligibility information, and more. We can't wait to meet the next Mandela Washington Fellows!
Learn moreApplication Closed
Semifinalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
Applicants are notified of their status
Finalist visa processing and Pre-Fellowship Orientations
Fellowship begins in the United States
Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit
Including Fellows, Reciprocal Exchange Participants, and U.S. Partners
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