The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, begun in
2014, is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative
(YALI) that empowers young people through academic coursework,
leadership training, and networking. In 2018, the Fellowship will
provide 700 outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the
opportunity to hone their skills at a U.S. college or university with
support for professional development after they return home.
The Fellows, who are between the ages of 25 and 35, have established
records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive impact in
their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries. In 2017,
Fellows represented a diverse group of leaders from 48 countries across
Sub-Saharan Africa. Fifty-one Fellows identified as having a
disability, and 50 percent of Fellows were women.
U.S.-based activities
Academic and Leadership Institutes: Each Mandela Washington Fellow takes part in a six-week Academic and Leadership Institute at a U.S. college or university in one of three tracks: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, or Public Management.Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit: Following the academic component of the Fellowship, the Fellows visit Washington, D.C., for a Summit featuring networking and panel discussions with U.S. leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Professional Development Experience: One hundred selected Fellows remain in the United States to participate in a six-week Professional Development Experience with U.S. non-governmental organizations, private companies, and governmental agencies that relate to their professional interests and goals.
