The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
U.S. Embassy Djibouti is excited to announce the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship application window is open from August 15 to September 12, 2023. Please visit https://www.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org/apply/ for complete application information and to apply.
About the Program
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 6,500 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. Each year, the Fellows participate in six-week Leadership Institutes, studying Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management at U.S. colleges or universities. During their time on campus, Fellows connect with Americans and enrich local U.S. communities while sharing best practices. After the Institutes, Fellows convene for a multi-day Summit in Washington, D.C., where they forge connections with one another and U.S. leaders from the private, public, and non-profit sectors, setting the stage for long-term engagement between the United States and Africa.
Application Timeline
- August 15, 2023| Application opens
- September 12, 2023| Application deadline
- November 2023 – January 2024| Semifinalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
- March 2024| Applicants are notified of their status
- May 2024| Visa processing and Pre-Departure Orientations for Finalists
- June 2024| Fellowship begins in the United States
