The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is an exciting opportunity for young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to enhance their leadership skills and make a positive impact in their communities. Up to 700 Fellows will be selected to participate in this prestigious program in the United States during the summer of 2025.
About the Mandela Washington Fellowship
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Since its inception in 2014, nearly 4,400 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa have participated in the Fellowship. The program targets accomplished leaders aged 25 to 35 who have demonstrated a strong record of leadership and positive community impact.
Fellows will engage in a six-week Leadership Institute at a U.S. college or university, where they will have the opportunity to:
- Share experiences with U.S. citizens and fellow African leaders.
- Explore new industries beyond their daily work.
- Strengthen their work with new connections, skills, and ideas.
- Meet with U.S. government, civic, and business leaders.
- Participate in a summit with young African leaders.
- Join a global alumni network to find innovative solutions to common challenges.
Benefits of the Mandela Washington Fellowship
The Mandela Washington Fellowship offers a comprehensive set of benefits designed to empower young African leaders:
- Leadership Training: Participate in a six-week Leadership Institute focused on Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management.
- Professional Development: Gain insights from U.S. experts and peer learning.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with U.S. government, civic, and business leaders.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience U.S. culture and expand your global perspective.
- Alumni Network: Join a dynamic network of leaders committed to positive change in Africa.
Eligibility Criteria for the Mandela Washington Fellowship
To qualify for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Must be between 25 and 35 years old by the application deadline (September 10, 2024). Exceptional applicants aged 21-24 may be considered.
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country (listed below) and not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- English Proficiency: Must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
- Visa Eligibility: Must be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
- Non-Eligibility for U.S. Government Employees: Cannot be employees or immediate family members of U.S. government entities.
Eligible countries include Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Application Process for the Mandela Washington Fellowship
The application process for the Fellowship involves several steps:
- Application Submission: Complete the online application form by the deadline.
- Document Submission: Submit required documents, including identification and proof of citizenship.
- Interview Process: Semi-finalists will be interviewed by U.S. embassies or consulates in their home countries.
- Final Selection: Selected finalists will attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation in their home countries.
Key Dates for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2024
- Application Opens: August 13, 2024
- Application Deadline: September 10, 2024
- Semi-Finalist Interviews: November 2024 – January 2025
- Notification of Status: March 2025
- Pre-Departure Orientation: May 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: June 2025
How to Apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship
To apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship:
- Visit the Official Website: Access the application portal through the official YALI website.
- Complete the Application Form: Provide all necessary information and documents.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted by September 10, 2024.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is an incredible opportunity for young African leaders to develop their leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and make a lasting impact in their communities. Don’t miss the chance to apply!
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