A Program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
IREX, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, seeks a limited number of partners to host young African leaders for a six-week executive-style leadership and professional development program.
Learn MoreHow Indiana entrepreneur Scott Massey utilized networks he developed in Togo and Cameroon during Reciprocal Exchanges to fight food insecurity.
Learn MoreMeet Ibrahima Kalil Gueye, 2018 Fellowship Alumnus, and learn how he is creating strategic solutions to address corruption throughout Guinea.
Learn MoreUniversity of Iowa arranges last-minute summer work experiences for students with Fellowship Alumni.
Learn MoreSince the inception of the Fellowship, disability inclusion has been a high priority, with 5% of the Fellowship’s nearly 4,400 Alumni self-identifying as having a disability.
Learn MoreThe Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The Fellowship brings young leaders to the United States for academic coursework and leadership training and creates unique opportunities for Fellows and Americans to collaborate as they spur economic growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa and the United States.
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.
One of the biggest wins from the Mandela Washington Fellowship has been the network of leaders across the continent. I have benefited immensely from the networks I developed at my...
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September 23, 2020
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September 16, 2020
“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 Alumuna
The application period for the 2020 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders has closed. Check out the 2020 Fellowship Application timeline and process, eligibility information, and more by clicking here. We can't wait to meet the next Mandela Washington Fellows!
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Application review
Semifinalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
Applicants are notified of their status
Finalist visa processing and Pre-Departure Orientations
Fellowship begins in the United States
Including Fellows, Reciprocal Exchange Awardees, and U.S. Partners
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