Apply now for the YALI MANDELA WASHINGTON FELLOWSHIP FOR YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS

Applications are currently being accepted for the YALI MANDELA WASHINGTON FELLOWSHIP FOR YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS . This prestigious program will welcome up to 700 young leaders to the United States during the summer of 2025, offering a comprehensive executive-style curriculum aimed at enhancing skills and empowering Fellows to take on leadership roles within their sectors and communities.

Eligibility Criteria – YALI MANDELA WASHINGTON FELLOWSHIP FOR YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is available to young African leaders who fulfill the following requirements:

– Must be between the ages of 25 and 35 by the application deadline (September 10, 2024), although outstanding candidates aged 21-24 may also be considered;
– Must not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents;
– Must qualify for a United States J-1 visa;
– Must not be employees or immediate family members (including spouses, parents, children, or siblings) of U.S. Government employees (this includes those working at U.S. embassies or consulates, USAID, or any other U.S. Government entity);
– Must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English (additional support will be provided for applicants who are deaf).

• Individuals who are citizens of any of the following nations: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 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 aforementioned countries and will establish permanent residence there by May 1, 2025, as well as at the commencement of the Fellowship in June 2025; and

Are not Alumni or previous participants of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

It is important to note that Fellows are prohibited from having dependents, including spouses and children, accompany them during the Fellowship.

Benefits – YALI MANDELA WASHINGTON FELLOWSHIP FOR YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS

1. The Mandela Washington Fellowship presents a unique opportunity to…
2. Engage 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 fellow participants.
3. Investigate industries beyond your current professional scope and enhance your knowledge.
4. Take part in a Summit with fellow young African leaders.
5. Interact with leaders from the U.S. Government, civic organizations, and the business sector.
6. Enhance your professional endeavors through new relationships, skills, and innovative ideas.
7. Become a member of a continental and global Alumni Network that will assist you in finding creative solutions to shared challenges.

Selection Criteria – YALI MANDELA WASHINGTON FELLOWSHIP FOR YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS

1. Candidates for the Mandela Washington Fellowship must demonstrate a strong history of leadership and success in business or entrepreneurship, civic involvement, and/or public or governmental service.
2. A clear dedication to public or community service, volunteer activities, or mentorship is essential.
3. The ability to collaborate effectively within diverse groups while valuing differing perspectives is required.
4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary, along with a dynamic, positive, and adaptable demeanor.
5. Candidates for the Mandela Washington Fellowship should possess a solid understanding of, interest in, and relevant professional experience in the chosen sector or Fellowship track, along with specific objectives for applying the knowledge and skills acquired from the Fellowship to their current or future endeavors.
6. Additionally, there is an expectation of a commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa to utilize their skills and talents in service to their communities.

Application and Selection Timeline for the Mandela Washington Fellowship

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

Application – YALI MANDELA WASHINGTON FELLOWSHIP FOR YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS

1. For details visit the Official Webpage of the YALI 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship.
2. Deadline is September 10, 2024