Fellowship | Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025-26

Are you ready to be part of the next generation of African leaders? Applications for the 2025-26 Mandela Washington Fellowship are now open!

This prestigious program will bring up to 700 young African leaders to the United States in the summer of 2025 for a comprehensive, executive-style program. The Fellowship is designed to build skills and empower Fellows to lead in their respective sectors and communities.

The Fellowship Offers:

A six-week Leadership Institute at a U.S. college or university, where Fellows can share experiences and learn from U.S. citizens and other African leaders.
An opportunity to explore industries beyond daily work and expand professional expertise.
Participation in a Summit with young African leaders.
Meetings with U.S. Government, civic, and business leaders.
Strengthened professional work through new connections, skills, and ideas.
Access to a continental and global Alumni Network to seek innovative solutions to common challenges.

Application and Selection Timeline:

August 13, 2024: Application opens
September 10, 2024: Application deadline
November 2024 – January 2025: Semi-finalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
March 2025: Applicants notified of their status
May 2025: Visa processing and Pre-Departure Orientations for Finalists
June 2025: Fellowship begins in the United States

Selection Process and Criteria:

The selection process is a merit-based open competition. After the application deadline, independent readers will review all eligible applications. Semi-finalists will be interviewed in-person by U.S. embassies or consulates in their home countries. Finalists must attend a mandatory Pre-Fellowship Orientation in their home country before departing for the United States.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is open to young African leaders who meet the following criteria:

Ages 25-35 as of the application deadline, with consideration for exceptional applicants aged 21-24.
Not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa.
Not employees or immediate family members of U.S. Government entities.
Proficient in English (guidance available for applicants who are deaf).
Citizens and residents of one of the eligible Sub-Saharan African countries listed above.

Please note that Fellows cannot have dependents, including spouses and children, accompany them during the Fellowship.

Selection Criteria:

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Proven leadership and accomplishment in business, civic engagement, or public service.
Commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
Ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect differing opinions.
Strong social and communication skills.
Energetic, positive, and flexible attitude.
Knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the preferred sector, and clear goals for applying the skills gained from the Fellowship to current or future work.
Commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to their communities.