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Mandela Washington Fellowship: Who Qualifies and What You Get

Learn how young African leaders can access six weeks of intensive leadership training in the United States through this competitive program.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a leadership development program designed to empower young leaders from across Africa through intensive training in the United States.

Who it's for

This program is specifically designed for young African leaders who are between the ages of 25 and 35. It targets individuals who are looking to strengthen their professional skills and gain international exposure to help drive change within their home countries.

What you get

If you are selected for the program, you receive a six-week intensive leadership training experience hosted in the United States. This period is designed to provide professional development and high-level exposure to help you advance your leadership capabilities.

What it costs you

While the program is a major opportunity for professional growth, it is highly competitive. Success requires more than just meeting the age requirement; you must be able to provide concrete evidence of the impact you have already made within your community. You will need to dedicate significant time to documenting these achievements to demonstrate that you are a proven leader.

The catch to know

The application window is not always open. You must be prepared to wait for the specific time of year when the program accepts new participants, as applications typically only open once a year, usually during the fall.

How to apply

  • Monitor the official website regularly to catch the specific application window.
  • Prepare detailed evidence and documentation regarding your community impact and leadership work.
  • Complete the full application process during the official period when applications are open.
  • Visit the official portal for more details: https://yali.state.gov