Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027 for Young African Leaders (Fully Funded to USA)

The U.S. Department of State is opening applications for the 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

Benefits

• Fully funded 6-week Leadership Institute at a top U.S. university or college.
• J-1 visa support, round-trip international travel, and housing.
• Attendance at the annual Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit in Washington, D.C.

Eligibility Criteria

• Citizens and residents of Sub-Saharan African countries.
• Aged between 25 and 35 at the time of application submission.
• Demonstrated track record of leadership in public management, business, or civic engagement.

How to Apply

Submit your complete application through the official YALI portal prior to November 10, 2026.