Applications for 2023 LINC Grants are Now Open
Leveraging Innovations in New Communities (LINC) Grants provide Fellowship Alumni with funding for professional collaboration with others in the Alumni Network.
Learn MoreApplications for 2023 Reciprocal Exchange Component Now Open
The Fellowship’s Reciprocal Exchange component supports collaborative projects between U.S. professionals and Fellowship Alumni in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Learn MoreU.S. Educational Institutions to Host Mandela Washington Fellows
The U.S. Department of State and IREX are pleased to announce the 28 U.S. educational institutions selected to host 700 Mandela Washington Fellows in summer 2023.
Learn MoreFellowship Alumni Convene at United Nations General Assembly
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 MoreAlumna supports Ghanaian women and girls with financial independence
Learn how 2021 Fellowship Alumna Rhoda Wedam is making a difference in northern Ghana.
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 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 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. -
5,800
?Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni NetworkSince 2014, nearly 5,800 Fellowship Alumni have completed the program. -
67,000
?Hours of Support Dedicated to U.S. CommunitiesSince 2014, Fellows have dedicated more than 67,000 hours to support U.S. communities during their Leadership Institutes. -
2,400
?Companies and Organizations EngagedSince 2014, the Fellowship has engaged approximately 2,400 institutions from the private, nonprofit, governmental, and multilateral sectors across the United States during Institutes, PDEs, Reciprocal Exchanges, and the Summit.
Stories
2021 Fellowship Alumnus Abdallah Mabrouck and his team, Ayubu Mundekesye and Kelvin Mwise, are Mandela Washington Fellowship Catalyst Grant winners.
View All StoriesNews
News
Announcing the 2023 Leadership Impact Award
March 22, 2023
News
U.S. Educational Institutions to Host Mandela Washington Fellows
February 1, 2023
Learn more about the 2023 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
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 more-
September 13, 2022
Application Closed
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Nov 2022-Jan 2023
Semifinalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
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March 2023
Applicants are notified of their status
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May 2023
Finalist visa processing and Pre-Fellowship Orientations
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June 2023
Fellowship begins in the United States
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July 2023
Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit
Fellowship Directory
Including Fellows, Reciprocal Exchange Participants, and U.S. Partners
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