APPLY: 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (Sponsorship to USA)
In the summer of 2023, the Mandela Washington Fellowship will bring up to 700 young leaders to the United States for a comprehensive executive-style program designed to build skills and empower fellows to lead in their respective sectors and communities.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the centerpiece of the United States Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).
There are several other scholarships available in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada that provide full scholarships as well as monthly allowances. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Fellowship Summary
– Host Country: United States of America (USA)
– Study Abroad: Study in the USA
– Category: Fellowships
– Eligible Countries: African Countries
– Reward: Full Sponsorship
– Application Opens: August 16, 2022
– Deadline: Sept. 13, 2022
The Fellows, who range in age from 25 to 35, are accomplished leaders with a track record of promoting innovation and positive impact in their communities and countries.
During the Fellowship, Fellows attend six-week Leadership Institutes hosted by colleges or universities in the United States, where they study Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management.
Fellows enrich local communities in the United States while sharing best practices throughout the Institutes.
Requirements:
Applicants will not be discriminated against because of their race, color, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Young African leaders who meet the following criteria are eligible for the Mandela Washington Fellowship:
Are between the ages of 25 and 35 at the time of application, with exceptional applicants between the ages of 21 and 24 considered;
Not United States citizens or permanent residents;
Eligible for a J-1 visa in the United States;
Not employees or immediate family members of U.S. government employees (including employees of a U.S. embassy or consulate, USAID, or another U.S. government entity);
Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English (deaf applicants will receive additional assistance);
Are citizens of one of the following countries: Kenya, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic;
Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome, and Principe, Senegal, and Seychelles;
APPLY: 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (Sponsorship to USA)
Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe;
Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti;
Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi;
Reward and Duration
The Fellowship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Participate in a six-week Leadership Institute at a US college or university to share and learn from US citizens and fellow Fellows.
Extend your knowledge by exploring industries other than your current one.
Take part in a summit of young African leaders.
Meet with government, civic, and business leaders in the United States.
Improve your work by making new connections, learning new skills, and coming up with new ideas.
Join a continental and global Alumni Network to assist you in finding innovative solutions to common problems.
Selection Criteria
The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications (in no particular order):
A track record of success and leadership in business, civic engagement, or public service;
A demonstrated dedication to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentoring;
The ability to collaborate in diverse groups while respecting the views of others;
Excellent social and communication skills
An upbeat, positive attitude;
A demonstrated understanding of, enthusiasm for, and professional experience in the preferred sector/track; and
A commitment to return to Africa and use the applicant’s leadership skills and training to benefit their home country and/or community.
Application Method
The Mandela Washington Fellowship selection process is an open competition based on merit.
All eligible applications will be reviewed by independent readers after the deadline.
Following this review, selected semi-finalists will be interviewed by US embassies or consulates in their respective countries.
Selected semi-finalists will be required to attend in-person interviews in their home country in Africa.
Applicants who advance to the semi-finalist round must bring a copy of their international passport (if available) or other government-issued photo identification to the interview.
Finalists must attend a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation in their home country within Africa.
APPLY: 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (Sponsorship to USA)