Advocating for women with disabilities
2014 Fellowship Alumna Lois Auta is amplifying the voices of women with disabilities and using her platform to inspire people around the world.
Learn MoreIncreasing opportunities for people with disabilities in The Gambia
In celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we’re proud to celebrate Fellowship Alumni, like 2015 Alumnus Alieu Jaiteh, who are exemplary leaders in their communities.
Learn MoreBringing Africa to the world through e-commerce
Since his Fellowship in 2014, 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 MoreCOVID-19
The U.S. Department of State is continuously monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and is working closely with IREX, the cooperative agency that implements the Mandela Washington Fellowship, and partner governments. The safety and security of Mandela Washington Fellows and Alumni, Reciprocal Exchange Awardees, and partners are our highest priority.
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. -
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
On March 8, people and organizations around the world will commemorate International Women’s Day by celebrating the achievements of women working to eliminate gender discrimination. 2014 Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumna...
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News
Four Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni selected as YouthLead Ambassadors
January 17, 2020
News
Fellowship Alumni pitch businesses and build networks at Africa Investor Week
December 10, 2019
How are you contributing to 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.”
– 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!
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
Fellowship Directory
Including Fellows, Reciprocal Exchange Awardees, and U.S. Partners
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