2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders – Fully Funded Leadership Opportunity in the United States
The 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders opens for applications on September 22, 2026. It provides emerging African leaders with professional exchange, leadership development, and networking in the United States.
Overview
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Established in 2014, the program brings together accomplished young professionals from Sub-Saharan Africa for intensive learning, networking, and engagement with American institutions and professionals.
For the 2027 cycle, applicants may apply to one of three specialized tracks:
- Business and Trade: Designed for leaders in entrepreneurship, trade, investment, and economic growth.
- Emerging Technologies: Focused on leaders working at the intersection of technology, innovation, and societal development.
- Governance and Security: Intended for professionals in public service, policy, governance, and security fields.
Benefits
Selected Fellows participate in an intensive six-week Leadership Institute hosted at a U.S. college or university. Program activities include academic and practical learning, leadership development, networking opportunities, community service, and cultural engagement, as well as continued access to the Fellowship's alumni network.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet general criteria established for the Fellowship, which typically include:
- Being between 25 and 35 years old, though exceptional candidates aged 21–24 may be considered.
- Holding citizenship and residency in a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Demonstrating English proficiency and eligibility for a U.S. J-1 visa.
- Not being a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or employee/immediate family member of a U.S. Government employee.
- Not having previously participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the official Fellowship application portal. Candidates should prepare by updating their CVs, identifying concrete leadership examples, and ensuring they review the official 2027 application instructions once opened.
Deadline
Applications open on September 22, 2026. Prospective applicants should check the official Fellowship website for the exact deadline and closing schedule once the portal is live.