The YALI 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is now accepting applications from eligible young African leaders seeking an opportunity to participate in a fully funded leadership programme in the United States of America.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship programme of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). The programme brings young African leaders to the United States for academic coursework, leadership development and professional networking.
The 2027 Fellowship will provide selected participants with a six-week programme in the United States, together with travel, accommodation, meals and other programme-related support.
The application deadline is 13 October 2026.
YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027 Overview
- Programme: Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
- Cohort: 2027
- Programme Location: United States of America
- Programme Duration: Six weeks
- Application Type: Fully funded fellowship
- Application Deadline: 13 October 2026
- Programme Start: June 2027
- Application Website: mwfellows.info/apply
About the Mandela Washington Fellowship
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is designed for young African leaders who have demonstrated leadership and achievement in their communities, professions or organisations.
The programme provides participants with opportunities for academic learning, leadership development and professional networking in the United States. The U.S. Department of State identifies the Fellowship as the flagship programme of the Young African Leaders Initiative.
Consequently, successful Fellows will have an opportunity to develop their leadership capabilities while engaging with professionals and other young leaders from across Africa.
YALI 2027 Fellowship Eligibility
Applicants must meet the required eligibility conditions to be considered for the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Age Requirement
Applicants should generally be between 25 and 35 years old on or before 13 October 2026.
Exceptional applicants aged 21 to 24 may also be considered.
Citizenship and Residency
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of an eligible African country.
- Be residents of an eligible country.
- Be permanently residing in an eligible country as of 1 February 2027.
- Continue to reside in an eligible country at the beginning of the Fellowship in June 2027.
U.S. Citizenship and Residency
Applicants must not be:
- U.S. citizens; or
- Permanent residents of the United States.
J-1 Visa Eligibility
Applicants must be eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa.
U.S. Government Employment Restriction
Applicants must not be employees of the U.S. Government or immediate family members of U.S. Government employees.
The restriction includes spouses, parents, children and siblings of employees of the U.S. Government, including employees of U.S. embassies, consulates and other U.S. Government entities.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.
Applicants who are deaf should follow the specific English-language guidance provided in the application instructions.
Eligible Countries
Citizens of the following countries may apply, subject to meeting all other eligibility requirements:
- 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
- Zimbabwe
Benefits of the YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship
The Mandela Washington Fellowship provides selected Fellows with a range of programme-related benefits.
J-1 Visa Support
Selected Fellows receive support related to obtaining the required J-1 visa for participation in the United States programme.
International and Domestic Travel
The Fellowship provides round-trip travel from the Fellow’s home city to the United States, as well as domestic travel within the United States when required by the programme.
Fellows are expected to depart for the United States from their country of residence within an eligible Fellowship country in Africa.
Six-Week Leadership Institute
Fellows participate in a six-week institute in the United States. The Fellowship’s established programme model combines academic coursework with leadership development and networking.
Accommodation and Meals
Housing and meals are provided during the programme.
Accident and Sickness Coverage
Fellows receive a limited accident and sickness benefit plan during the programme.
Professional Development Experience
Up to 50 Fellows may have the opportunity to participate in an optional four-week Professional Development Experience (PDE).
Who Can Apply?
The Fellowship is intended for young African leaders who meet the specified age, citizenship, residency, English-language and visa requirements.
Applicants should also be prepared to demonstrate their leadership experience and accomplishments. The official programme framework describes Fellows as motivated young professionals with demonstrated leadership through areas such as academic work, community involvement, professional careers and extracurricular activities.
Therefore, applicants should use their application to clearly present their leadership experience, achievements, community involvement and professional interests.
How to Apply for the YALI 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship
Interested applicants should complete the application through the official Mandela Washington Fellowship application platform.
Application Steps
- Visit the Mandela Washington Fellowship application website.
- Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Confirm that you meet the age, citizenship, residency, English-language and other requirements.
- Prepare the information and supporting details required for the application.
- Complete the online application form.
- Review your application carefully before submission.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day because incomplete or late applications may not be accepted.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the YALI 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship is 13 October 2026
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline.
Programme Timing
The selected Fellows are expected to participate in the Fellowship beginning in June 2027.
Applicants must also meet the residency requirement applicable to the period beginning 1 February 2027 and continuing through the start of the Fellowship.
Final Thought
The YALI 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship provides eligible young African leaders with an opportunity to participate in a six-week leadership and academic programme in the United States while developing professional networks and leadership skills.
With support covering travel, accommodation, meals, visa-related assistance and other programme components, the Fellowship offers a structured international development experience for eligible applicants.
Young African leaders who meet the stated requirements should prepare their applications carefully and submit them before the 13 October 2026 deadline.
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