Mandela Washington Fellowship 2026 (YALI — Young African Leaders Initiative)
Flagship US government fellowship for young African leaders. 6 weeks at a US university + summit in Washington DC. All costs covered.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship programme of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), launched by President Obama in 2010. Each year, ~700 young African leaders are selected for an intensive 6-week leadership institute at a top US university, followed by a summit in Washington DC.
What you get
All expenses paid: round-trip airfare, 6-week US university leadership institute, accommodation, meals, laptop, healthcare, and a US$1,500 wraparound fund. After the institute, attend the Presidential Summit in DC with the US President (or their representative) and ~1,000 African fellows.
Eligibility
African citizen aged 25–35, resident of an eligible African country, 5+ years of leadership/entrepreneurship/civic engagement experience, bachelor's degree or equivalent, proficient in English, no recent US visa denial, and able to commit to the full 6 weeks in-person in the US.
