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APPLY for the 2021 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Since 2014, nearly 5,100 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa have participated in the Fellowship. The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished leaders and have established records of promoting innovation and positive impact in their communities and countries. In 2022, 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.

Summary

  • Host: US Government 
  • Study Abroad: Study in USA 
  • Category: Training | Fellowships
  • Eligible Countries: All African Countries 
  • Reward: Full Sponsorship to USA
  • Deadline: September 15, 2021

Requirements

There will be no discrimination against applicants on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.  The Mandela Washington Fellowship is open to young African leaders who meet the following criteria:

  • Are between the ages of 25 and 35 at the time of application, while exceptional applicants between the ages of 21 and 24 will be considered;
  • Are not citizens of the United States or permanent residents of the country;
  • Qualified for a J-1 visa in the United States;
  • Are not U.S. Government personnel or immediate family members of U.S Government employees (including a U.S. embassy or consulate, USAID, or any U.S. Government institution);
  • Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English (additional guidance coming for applicants who are deaf);
  • Citizens of one of the following countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 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, or Zimbabwe;
  • Are residents of one of the above countries; and
  • Are not Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

Please note that Fellows are not allowed to have dependents, including spouses and children, accompany them during the Fellowship.

All information supplied in the application is subject to verification by the US Department of State and IREX. The application will be considered void and the applicant disqualified if there is a discrepancy or if the information is proven to be untrue.

Duration and Reward

The Fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity to…

  • Participate in a six-week Leadership Institute  Leat a U.S. college or university to share your experiences with and learn from U.S. citizens and other Fellows.
  • Explore industries beyond your daily work and expand your expertise.
  • Attend a Summit with young African leaders in Washington, D.C.
  • Meet with U.S. Government, civic, and business leaders.
  • Strengthen your work through new connections, skills, and ideas.

Criteria for selection

Criteria for evaluation of applications (not in order of importance) include:

  • A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in business, civic engagement, or public service;
  • A demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship;
  • The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and to respect the opinions of others;
  • Strong social and communication skills;
  • An energetic, positive attitude;
  • A demonstrated knowledge of, interest in, and professional experience in the preferred sector/track; and
  • A commitment to return to Africa and apply leadership skills and training to benefit the applicant’s country and/or community after they return home.

Method of Application

The Mandela Washington Fellowship selection process is a merit-based open competition. Independent readers will review all eligible applications after the deadline.

Following this review; the U.S. embassies or consulates will interview chosen semi-finalists in their home countries.  Selected semi-finalists will be required to participate in these in-person interviews in their home country within Africa. 

If advanced to the semi-finalist round, applicants must provide a copy of their international passport (if available) or other government-issued photo identification at the time of the interview.  Selected Finalists are to attend the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation in their home country within Africa.

Use the link below to start your application process. 

CLICK TO APPLY

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