In the summer of 2025, the Mandela Washington Fellowship will convene up to 700 young leaders in the United States for a comprehensive executive-style program designed to enhance their skills and empower them to assume leadership positions within their communities and industries. Selected participants will engage in a six-week Leadership Institute at a U.S. college or university, where they will exchange experiences with American citizens and fellow African participants, gaining valuable insights from one another.
This fully-funded fellowship offers participants the chance to explore diverse industries beyond their usual professional environments, thereby broadening their expertise and reinforcing their skill sets. Additionally, fellows will have the opportunity to interact with U.S. government officials and prominent business leaders. This exchange program will facilitate the enhancement of their professional endeavors through the acquisition of new connections, skills, and innovative ideas. Upon completion of the program, fellows will have the option to join a global Alumni Network, which will assist them in seeking creative solutions to prevalent challenges.
Participants can expect a transformative experience from this leadership initiative. Through this fellowship tailored for Africans, individuals will forge significant networks with both African and American peers. They will also have the opportunity to regain their self-confidence and motivation to contribute positively to their communities. Students will focus on areas such as Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management at U.S. colleges or universities, which will complement their existing knowledge and introduce them to new concepts.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is committed to non-discrimination in its selection process, adhering to U.S. laws regarding protected characteristics, including race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, education, income, socioeconomic status, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and others. The Fellowship prioritizes accessibility, fairness, equity, and inclusion.
Benefits of Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025 in the USA:
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip travel from the Fellow’s home city to the United States and necessary domestic U.S. travel
- Departure from an eligible Fellowship country in Africa to the United States
- Six-week Leadership Institute
- Concluding Summit in Washington, D.C.
- Limited accident and sickness benefit plan
- Housing and meals during the program
- Optional four-week Professional Development Experience for up to 100 Fellows
- Fellows will participate in a six-week Leadership Institute at a U.S. college or university.
- Opportunity to interact with other fellows attending the event.
- Fellows will become a part of Global Alumni Network.
- There will be no discrimination on the basis of race, gender, color or any other protected characteristic.
- Participants will get a chance to meet U.S officials and business executives.
- This is a wonderful chance to explore USA without financial burden.
Criteria for Eligibility for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025 in the USA:
Applicants:
- Must be young leaders from Africa.
- Should be aged between 25 and 35 years as of September 10, 2024.
- Are not required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Must qualify for a United States J-1 visa.
- Cannot be employees or immediate family members (including spouses, parents, children, or siblings) of any U.S. Government Department employees.
- Should have a strong command of English, including reading, writing, and speaking skills.
- Must be citizens or permanent residents of one 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.
- Previous participation or alumni status in the Mandela Washington Fellowship is not a requirement.
Application Deadline
10th September, 2024.
How to Apply
To apply, visit the page to Submit your application
To apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025, start by registering as a new user using the provided link. Accept the terms and conditions. Create your account by entering your email address. You will receive a confirmation email to finalize your account setup. Note that this link will expire in 60 minutes. Set a password for your account. Fill in the requested general information. Include your CV details in the designated sections. Provide information about your education and work experience. List your professional skills. Enter your demographic information. Indicate any prior experience in the U.S. Respond to the short essay questions. Complete the application process. Click the blue “Review and Submit” button to submit your application. Selected candidates will then proceed to interviews.
if you are interested and qualified. For additional information, check out the official link
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