Apply Now! 2020 Reciprocal Exchange Applications Now Open
The U.S. Department of State and IREX are pleased to announce that applications for the Reciprocal Exchange component are being accepted through February 18, 2020.
Learn MoreBringing Africa to the world through e-commerce
Since his Fellowship five years ago, Vital Sounouvou’s company Exportunity has grown from an idea to a thriving e-commerce marketplace and fintech company focused on helping Africa trade with the world.
Learn MoreWhat’s next for the 2020 Fellowship Application process?
The application period for the 2020 Mandela Washington Fellowship is closed. Check out the selection criteria and timeline.
Learn MoreAbout us
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). 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 growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa and the United States.
Learn MoreBUREAU OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is sponsored by 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. -
4,400
?Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni NetworkSince 2014, nearly 4,400 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
In schools across Ghana, young girls struggle to enter the male-dominated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. 2014 Fellow Regina Agyare is working to change that. Read more about...
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News
Apply Now for the 2020 Reciprocal Exchange Component
January 21, 2020
News
Fellow Alumni pitch businesses and build networks at Africa Investor Week
December 10, 2019
Learn more about how to be a part of the next generation of African Leaders!
“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.”
– 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow
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!
Learn more-
October 9, 2019
Application closed
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Oct - Nov 2019
Application review
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Dec 2019 - Feb 2020
Semifinalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
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Late March 2020
Applicants are notified of their status
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May 2020
Finalist visa processing and Pre-Departure Orientations
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Mid-June 2020
Fellowship begins in the United States
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Including Fellows, Reciprocal Exchange Awardees, and U.S. Partners
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