About the Mandela Washington Scholarship
Stock exchange overview
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship programme of the US government's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Since its inception in 2014, nearly 6,500 young leaders from all sub-Saharan African countries have participated, each selected for their demonstrated commitment to innovation and positive impact in their communities and countries. This scholarship is aimed at talented leaders between the ages of 25 and 35, fostering the next generation of African change agents.
Components of the Brotherhood
Leadership Institutes
Fellows participate in six-week Leadership Institutes at US colleges or universities, with a focus on Business, Civic Engagement or Public Management. These institutes provide an immersive experience where fellows can exchange best practices, broaden their perspectives and enrich local communities in the US with their insights.
Mandela Fellowship Summit Washington
After the Leadership Institutes, fellows gather for a Summit, which provides a platform for networking with peers, US leaders from various sectors, and sets the stage for long-term engagement between the United States and Africa. This event is crucial for establishing meaningful connections that go beyond the Fellowship.
Professional Development Experiences (PDEs)
Scholars can apply for professional development experiences, which allow them to work with private, public or non-profit organisations in the USA for up to six weeks. These experiences allow both fellows and host organisations to exchange knowledge and perspectives, addressing shared challenges and promoting international engagement.
Reciprocal exchanges
The Fellowship also supports US citizens travelling to sub-Saharan African countries to collaborate with Fellowship alumni. These exchanges strengthen professional connections, expand networks and promote mutual understanding, leading to lasting partnerships.
Opportunities for alumni
Fellowship alumni benefit from ongoing professional development and networking opportunities, supported by the U.S. Department of State and affiliated partners. These resources help alumni continue to build on the skills and connections developed during the fellowship, contributing to their communities and beyond.
Enrolment and eligibility information
Are you ready to join the next generation of African leaders? The Mandela Washington Fellowship will bring up to 700 young leaders to the United States in the summer of 2025 for an intensive programme designed to improve your leadership skills and empower you to make a difference in your sector and community.
The scholarship offers:
- Participation in a six-week Leadership Institute at a US college or university.
- Opportunities to explore sectors beyond your current job and expand your knowledge.
- Participation in a summit with other young African leaders.
- Meetings with US government, civic and business leaders.
- Access to a continental and global network of alumni.
- Opportunities to strengthen your work through new skills, connections and ideas.
Registration and selection schedule
- 13 August 2024: opening of registration
- 10 September 2024: registration deadline
- November 2024 - January 2025: Semi-finalist interviews conducted by local US embassies and consulates
- March 2025: Applicants notified of their status
- May 2025: Visa processing and pre-departure guidance for finalists
- June 2025: The exchange begins in the United States
Application and Selection Process
The selection process is highly competitive and based on merit. After the application deadline, independent readers analyse all eligible entries. Semi-finalists are interviewed by US embassies or consulates in their home countries. Selected finalists must attend a mandatory pre-fellowship orientation in their home country.
Eligibility criteria:
- Aged between 25 and 35 by the deadline for applications (exceptional candidates aged between 21 and 24 may be considered).
- You are not a US citizen or permanent resident.
- Eligible for a US J-1 visa.
- You are not an employee or immediate family member of a US government official.
- Proficient in English.
- Citizen and resident of a sub-Saharan African country listed in the eligibility criteria.
- She was not a previous participant in the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Finalists must provide government-issued photo ID at the time of their interview. Please note that scholarship recipients are not allowed to bring dependents, including spouses and children, during their scholarship.
The US Department of State and IREX reserve the right to verify all application information. Discrepancies or false information will result in disqualification.
How to register
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is an unrivalled opportunity to develop your leadership skills, expand your network and contribute to your community.
