Mandela Washington
The 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is a U.S. Government funded leadership and professional exchange opportunity for accomplished young leaders from Sub Saharan Africa. The Fellowship is the flagship programme of the Young African Leaders Initiative, commonly known as YALI, and provides participants with leadership development, professional learning, networking and engagement opportunities in the United States.
Applications for the 2027 Fellowship are scheduled to open on September 22, 2026. The programme is designed for young African professionals and community leaders who have demonstrated leadership, achievement and a commitment to making a positive contribution in their communities, countries or professional sectors.
The Fellowship brings together leaders from across Sub Saharan Africa for an intensive six week Leadership Institute hosted by a U.S. college or university. Fellows participate in academic and practical learning while engaging with American professionals, organisations and communities. Since its establishment in 2014, the programme has connected nearly 7,800 young leaders from all 49 countries in Sub Saharan Africa.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and funded by the U.S. Government. IREX administers the Fellowship programme.
The programme is not an academic degree programme. Instead, it combines leadership development, practical learning, professional networking and cultural exchange. Fellows learn alongside other emerging African leaders and engage with U.S. institutions and professionals.
During the six week Leadership Institute, Fellows participate in activities designed to strengthen their leadership and professional capabilities while providing opportunities to exchange ideas and experiences across different sectors and countries.
This track is intended for leaders working in entrepreneurship, business development, trade, investment, economic growth and related areas.
Participants can explore practical approaches to business and economic development while exchanging ideas with African peers and U.S. professionals.
This track focuses on leaders working with technology and emerging technological fields that are influencing economies and societies.
Participants can develop professional knowledge, explore innovative approaches and connect with others working at the intersection of technology, leadership and development.
This track is designed for leaders working in governance, public service, security, policy and related areas.
Participants have opportunities to examine leadership approaches, exchange perspectives and engage with U.S. institutions and professionals.
• Six week Leadership Institute at a U.S. college or university
• Leadership and professional development
• Academic and practical learning
• Networking with young African leaders from across Sub Saharan Africa
• Engagement with U.S. businesses, organisations and professionals
• Community and cultural activities
• Professional exchange and knowledge sharing opportunities
• Access to the broader Mandela Washington Fellowship alumni network
• Opportunities to develop relationships with African and U.S. institutions
The Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Government. Applicants should consult the official 2027 programme instructions when released for the complete list of covered programme costs and travel arrangements.
Applicants for the 2027 Fellowship can select from three areas:
• Business and Trade
• Emerging Technologies
• Governance and Security
Applicants should select the track that most closely reflects their current professional experience and long term goals.
The official 2027 application instructions should be reviewed when applications open because requirements can change between Fellowship cycles. Based on the current programme information and previous official eligibility requirements, applicants should expect to meet criteria including:
• Be between 25 and 35 years old at the time specified by the application cycle
• Exceptional applicants between 21 and 24 may be considered
• Be a citizen and resident of an eligible Sub Saharan African country
• Be proficient in spoken and written English
• Have an established record of leadership and accomplishment
• Have professional, civic, entrepreneurial, public service or community experience relevant to the selected track
• Demonstrate commitment to public or community service, volunteerism or mentorship
• Not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be eligible to receive a U.S. J 1 visa
• Not be an employee of the U.S. Government or an immediate family member of an employee of the U.S. Government
• Not have previously participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship
• Demonstrate commitment to returning to Africa and contributing skills and experience to their community or country
Previous participation in other YALI programmes does not automatically mean that an applicant has participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
• Proven record of leadership and accomplishment in business, entrepreneurship, civic engagement or public service
• Demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteerism or mentorship
• Ability to work cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds
• Strong social and communication skills
• Demonstrated knowledge, interest and professional experience related to the selected Fellowship track
• Clear goals for applying knowledge and skills gained through the Fellowship
• Commitment to returning to Sub Saharan Africa and contributing to community development
This may include:
• Current curriculum vitae or resume
• Professional and leadership experience
• Community service, volunteer and mentorship experience
• Awards and recognitions
• Information about relevant projects and initiatives
• Evidence of professional accomplishments
• Responses to Fellowship essay questions
• Information about the preferred Fellowship track
• Goals for using Fellowship knowledge and skills after the programme
• Plans for contributing to the applicant’s community or country
The official application is submitted online and is free of charge.
Review Business and Trade, Emerging Technologies and Governance and Security and determine which area most closely connects with your current work and future goals.
Highlight leadership positions, professional achievements, community involvement, awards, entrepreneurial activities, volunteer work, mentorship and projects where you achieved measurable results.
Think about specific situations where you solved a problem, created an initiative, supported other people, led a team or produced meaningful results.
The official Fellowship advises applicants to use real world examples when answering application questions. Your responses should demonstrate your experience rather than simply describe your ambitions.
Explain how your previous work has prepared you for the selected track and how the knowledge, skills and relationships gained through the Fellowship could support your future work.
Be prepared to explain how your leadership and professional experience have contributed to your community and how you intend to continue contributing after the Fellowship.
The application is completed online through the official Mandela Washington Fellowship application system. Applicants should never pay an individual or organisation to submit the application on their behalf.
Application opens: September 22, 2026
Applications for the 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship will open September 22, 2026 through the official Fellowship application system.
Applicants should use the official Mandela Washington Fellowship website for the application portal, detailed instructions and the final deadline.
Mandela Washington
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