Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders 2027

Applications are open for the 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, a U.S. Government programme that supports leadership development and professional exchange.

The Fellowship is part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). It is funded by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX, bringing young African leaders to the United States to develop their skills and build professional relationships. Official programme overview

For 2027, the programme expects to welcome approximately 550 young leaders. 2027 application information

What the Fellowship offers

You will participate in a six-week Leadership Institute at a U.S. college or university. Activities combine academic learning, workshops, mentoring and networking with American leaders. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with U.S. professionals and communities. Leadership Institutes

The 2027 tracks are:

• Business and Trade
• Emerging Technologies
• Governance and Security

An optional four-week Professional Development Experience (PDE) is available to up to 50 competitively selected Fellows, requiring approximately ten weeks in the United States overall. 2027 application instructions

After returning home, alumni can access further professional development, networking and collaboration opportunities. Fellowship components

Funding and benefits

The U.S. Government covers programme costs, including:

• J-1 visa support.
• Return travel from your home city and required U.S. travel.
• The six-week institute.
• Accommodation and meals.
• A limited accident and sickness benefit plan.
• The optional PDE, if selected.

Funding excludes salary replacement, personal purchases and financial support for your home organisation. Official financial provisions

Eligibility criteria

You should be 25–35 years old on 13 October 2026. Exceptional applicants aged 21–24 may be considered. Applicants younger than 21 or older than 35 are ineligible. Age requirements

You must also:

• Hold citizenship in an eligible country and currently reside in an eligible country.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible country on 1 February 2027 and at the Fellowship’s start in June 2027.
• Meet the English reading, writing and speaking requirements.
• Be eligible for a United States J-1 visa.
• Have no previous participation in the Fellowship.
• Meet the exclusions concerning U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, U.S. Government employment, IREX employment or consultancy, and immediate family relationships.

Check the complete eligibility requirements and eligible-country list.

Your citizenship and residence may be in different eligible countries. However, living or studying in a non-eligible country makes you ineligible, including temporary residence abroad. A university degree is not required, and you do not need to submit TOEFL scores. Dependents and other family members cannot accompany you. Eligibility FAQs

Applicants affected by U.S. entry or visa suspensions may apply, but finalist selection is considered individually. Official eligibility conditions

What selectors look for

Your application should demonstrate:

• Achievements relevant to business, trade, emerging technologies, governance or security.
• Interest in sustained partnerships with American organisations and businesses.
• Plans to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to your community.
• Effective teamwork, communication and respect for others.
• Adaptability and leadership in changing circumstances.
• English proficiency.

Use specific examples showing your actions and results. Explain how your preferred track relates to your work and what you intend to accomplish after returning home. Official application guidance

How to apply

1. Read the official instructions. Review the 2027 application guide before preparing your responses.

2. Register through the official portal. Start at the Mandela Washington Fellowship application system. Previous-cycle applications have been cleared; returning applicants must register again.

3. Complete the required information. This includes structured Résumé/CV entries, professional and educational history, language and leadership assessments, track preferences and personal statements. Check the instructions for each response limit.

4. Request PDE consideration if interested. Include this in your Fellowship application; you cannot apply separately later. Additional questions apply. Application requirements

5. Review and submit online. Applications are free, and you may submit only one. You can save your progress, but submitted applications cannot be changed. Paper and emailed applications are not accepted. Submission FAQs

Write in English and use your own experiences, reasoning and plans. Technology may help with grammar, translation or clarity, but you must disclose its use—including AI—where requested. Copying other applicants’ responses or online content can lead to disqualification. Originality and technology guidance

Application deadline

Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at 16:00 / 4:00 PM GMT.

Submit through the official online system before this deadline. Official deadline

Selection process and timeline

Applications undergo competitive review. Selected semifinalists attend interviews with U.S. embassies or consulates, and finalists must complete mandatory pre-departure orientation.

The application webpage lists:

Source: Official application and selection timeline.

Timing note: The instructions instead list interviews from October 2026–January 2027. Follow your embassy or consulate’s interview notice. Application instructions

You do not need a passport to apply. Selected Fellows need one valid through at least 28 February 2028, or 31 March 2028 for PDE participants. Passport requirements

Official information and application

• Programme website: Mandela Washington Fellowship
• Eligibility and countries: Application and Eligibility Information
• Application guide: 2027 Application Instructions
• Frequently asked questions: 2027 Application FAQs
• Apply online: Official application portal