Introducing the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. This opportunity offers a 6-week training program at a leading U.S. educational institution in the areas of Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship will bring up to 700 young leaders to the United States in the summer of 2025.
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This comprehensive executive-style program is designed to develop skills and empower Fellows to lead effectively in their sectors and communities.
Fellowship Components
Leadership Institutes: During the Fellowship, participants engage in six-week Leadership Institutes at U.S. colleges or universities, focusing on Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management. Throughout these Institutes, Fellows contribute to local U.S. communities while exchanging best practices.
Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit: Following the Institutes, Fellows come together for a Summit where they connect with each other and U.S. leaders from the private, public, and non-profit sectors. This Summit fosters long-term collaboration between the United States and Africa.
Professional Development Experiences (PDEs): Fellows have the opportunity to work with private, public, and non-profit organizations for up to six weeks. This can occur either immediately after the Summit during the Fellowship or later as Alumni.
Both Fellows and Hosts benefit from discussing common issues and challenges in their fields, broadening their perspectives, and positioning U.S. organizations for international engagement.
Reciprocal Exchanges: U.S. citizens can apply to carry out projects in sub-Saharan African countries, continuing collaborative work with Fellowship Alumni on the continent. These partnerships aim to create lasting relationships, expand markets and networks, and enhance mutual understanding.
Opportunities for Alumni: Fellowship Alumni can further develop the skills and connections they gained during the program through ongoing professional development, networking, and collaboration opportunities, supported by the U.S. Department of State and its partners.
Virtual Programming: The Fellowship utilizes stakeholder expertise to offer a range of virtual programming for the Fellowship Network.
This support helps Fellows continue their leadership development and strengthens their access to networks and resources.
Benefits
The Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to:
— Take part in a six-week Leadership Institute at a U.S. college or university, where you can share your experiences and learn from U.S. citizens and other Fellows.
— Explore industries outside your usual field and broaden your expertise.
— Attend a Summit with other young African leaders.
— Meet with leaders from the U.S. government, civic organizations, and businesses.
— Enhance your work with new connections, skills, and ideas.
— Join a continental and global Alumni Network to collaborate on innovative solutions to common challenges.
Eligibility
Applicants will be considered without discrimination based on 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 by the application deadline, though exceptional candidates aged 21-24 may also be considered.
— Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
— Are eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
— Are not employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government (including U.S. embassies or consulates, USAID, or other U.S. Government entities).
— Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English (additional guidance will be provided for applicants who are deaf).
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— Are 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, Côte 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, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
— Are residents of one of the above countries.
— Are not alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria (not listed in order of importance):
— A proven track record of leadership and achievement in business or entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and/or public or government service.
— Demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteer work, or mentorship.
— Ability to work effectively in diverse groups and respect others’ opinions.
— Strong social and communication skills.
— An energetic, positive, and adaptable attitude.
— Demonstrated knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the chosen sector or Fellowship track, along with clear goals for applying the knowledge and skills gained from the Fellowship to current and/or future work.
— A commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute skills and talents to community development.
Deadline: September 10, 2024.
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