Expanding Opportunities through International Exchange
In 2019, more than 100 Americans traveled to Sub-Saharan Africa to collaborate on projects with Mandela Washington Fellows.
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 MoreMandela Washington Fellows convene in Washington
Hundreds of young African leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2019 Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit.
Read 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
-
49
?Sub-Saharan African CountriesFellows have come from all 49 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. -
4,400
Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni -
45 Million
?People ReachedNumber of employees, beneficiaries, and stakeholders impacted by Fellows' business and non-profits since 2014. -
39,000
?Hours of Support Dedicated to U.S. CommunitiesApproximate number of hours dedicated to support U.S. communities during Fellows' Leadership Institutes since 2016.
Stories
In honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, USAID Power Africa highlights the work of 2016 Fellow Gwaliwa Mashaka from Tanzania. Gwaliwa's experience with hearing loss inspired her to...
View All StoriesNews
News
Fellow Alumni pitch businesses and build networks at Africa Investor Week
December 10, 2019
News
Mandela Washington Fellowship receives International Innovative Educator of the Year award
November 14, 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
-
Oct - Nov 2019
Application review
-
Dec 2019 - Feb 2020
Semifinalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
-
Late March 2020
Applicants are notified of their status
-
May 2020
Finalist visa processing and Pre-Departure Orientations
-
Mid-June 2020
Fellowship begins in the United States
Fellowship Directory
Including Fellows, Reciprocal Exchange Awardees, and U.S. Partners
Explore Fellowship Directory