Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027 for Young African Leaders: Fully Funded U.S. Fellowship
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders 2027 is now open for applications. The fellowship is the flagship exchange component of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and will bring up to 550 young African leaders to the United States in summer 2027 for an intensive executive-style leadership programme.
The programme is designed for accomplished young professionals and innovators who want to strengthen their leadership skills, build partnerships with U.S. counterparts and contribute to their communities after returning to Africa.
Fellowship Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027 |
| Programme type | Fully funded leadership fellowship |
| Host country | United States |
| Number of Fellows | Up to 550 |
| Age | 25–35; exceptional applicants aged 21–24 may be considered |
| Eligible applicants | Citizens and residents of eligible Sub-Saharan African countries |
| Duration | Six-week Leadership Institute |
| Optional component | Four-week Professional Development Experience |
| Main tracks | Business & Trade; Emerging Technologies; Governance & Security |
| Application opens | September 22, 2026 |
| Deadline | October 13, 2026, 4:00 PM GMT |
| Fellowship begins | June 2027 |
| Application fee | Free |
| Application method | Online |
Benefits of the Mandela Washington Fellowship
If selected, Fellows receive a fully funded programme. The U.S. Government covers the programme costs, including:
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip travel from the Fellow’s home city to the United States
- Required domestic U.S. travel
- Six-week Leadership Institute
- Limited accident and sickness benefit plan
- Housing during the programme
- Meals during the programme
- Optional four-week Professional Development Experience for up to 50 selected Fellows
Fellows also participate in academic sessions, professional site visits, networking, community service and cultural activities.
Fellows are housed in university accommodation or similar accommodation suitable for professional adults. Single occupancy will be provided where possible, although Fellows may sometimes share a room with another Fellow of the same sex and share a bathroom with Fellows of the same sex.
Most meals are provided through campus cafeterias or restaurants. Some Fellows may have access to shared kitchens.
Applicants with dietary, religious or medical needs are encouraged to communicate those needs as early as possible. Institutes will make reasonable efforts to accommodate individual needs.
Fellows with disabilities and chronic health conditions will receive reasonable accommodations and support at no cost.
The programme does not pay Fellows’ salaries while they are away from work and does not provide money for personal purchases, gifts for family or support for Fellows’ home organisations.
Fellowship Programme
Six-Week Leadership Institute
Fellows will be placed in groups of approximately 25 at leading educational institutions across the United States, including institutions in both urban and rural locations.
The Institutes will run from mid-June through early August 2027.
Each Institute will focus on one of three tracks:
- Business and Trade
- Emerging Technologies
- Governance and Security
The six-week programme combines:
- Academic sessions
- Professional site visits
- Networking
- Community service
- Cultural activities
- Practical skills development
- Opportunities to interact with U.S. business and industry leaders
Although all Institutes share common components, each Institute has its own programme based on its particular strengths and resources.
Optional Professional Development Experience
Applicants can also apply for an optional four-week Professional Development Experience (PDE) at a U.S. business, nonprofit organisation or government agency.
The PDE is designed to give Fellows substantive professional experience in the United States, strengthen their understanding of U.S. business, innovation and leadership, and help them establish professional relationships with U.S. counterparts.
Up to 50 Fellows will be competitively selected.
PDE placements will relate to a Fellow’s professional sector but will not necessarily be an exact match for their current position. The experience is designed to be rigorous and immersive.
Applicants selected for the PDE must be available in the United States for approximately 10 weeks in total — six weeks for the Institute and four weeks for the PDE.
Applying for the PDE is optional and is not required to be selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
However, applicants who do not indicate in their application that they want to be considered for the PDE cannot apply for it separately later.
Alumni Opportunities
After returning home, Fellows become part of an active network of nearly 7,800 alumni.
Alumni have access to:
- Networking opportunities
- Professional development
- Collaboration opportunities
- Events
- Virtual programming
- Reciprocal Exchange opportunities connecting U.S. citizens with Fellowship alumni
These opportunities are designed to continue professional relationships and partnerships developed during the Fellowship.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be 25–35 years old on or before October 13, 2026.
- Exceptional applicants aged 21–24 may also be considered.
- Be a citizen of an eligible country listed below.
- Be a resident of an eligible country.
- Be permanently residing in an eligible country as of February 1, 2027, and at the beginning of the Fellowship in June 2027.
- Not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
- Be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.
- Not be an employee or immediate family member — spouse, parent, child or sibling — of a U.S. Government employee.
- Not be a previous Mandela Washington Fellowship alumnus or participant.
- Be prepared to participate fully in the programme.
- Fellows cannot take spouses, children or other dependents with them to the United States.
Eligible Countries
Citizens of the following countries can apply:
Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 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 and Zimbabwe.
Applicants from countries subject to full or partial U.S. entry or visa restrictions may apply, but finalist selection from those countries will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The organisers will verify applicants’ age, citizenship and residency. False or inconsistent information can make an application invalid.
Do You Need a University Degree?
No.
A university degree is not a technical requirement for the Mandela Washington Fellowship. Formal education may contribute to an applicant’s overall competitiveness, but applicants will not be disqualified simply because they do not have a university diploma or degree.
Members of the military, defence ministry, police and other law-enforcement agencies are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the other requirements.
Selection Criteria
The Fellowship is a merit-based open competition.
Applications are evaluated based on:
- English proficiency
- A proven record of accomplishment in business, trade, emerging technologies, governance and/or security
- A clear interest in building and maintaining partnerships with American organisations and businesses that advance shared goals
- Commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute skills and talents to communities
- Ability to work cooperatively and respect others
- Strong social and communication skills
- Adaptability and ability to lead effectively in different and changing environments
Fellowship Tracks
Applicants must rank the three Fellowship tracks according to how closely they align with their current work, education or future goals.
1. Business and Trade
This track is designed for professionals working in:
- Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Trade
- Workforce development
- Private-sector activities
It covers U.S. business principles and practices, entrepreneurship ecosystems, commercial engagement, trade facilitation and the role of business in economic growth.
Fellows may also engage with leading U.S. enterprises and businesses and may be working on starting or scaling businesses into new domestic or international markets.
2. Emerging Technologies
This track is for professionals using emerging technologies such as:
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Biotechnology
- Robotics
- Advanced computing
The focus includes applied technology, innovation ecosystems and responsible technology adoption.
Fellows may engage with U.S. technology companies, research institutions and innovation hubs. Professionals working in agriculture, mining, public health, cybersecurity and resource management may also fit within this track.
3. Governance and Security
This track is designed for professionals working in public institutions, civil society and related fields involving:
- Governance
- Accountability
- Stability
- Security
- Public administration
- Policymaking
- Rule of law
- Institutional effectiveness
Fellows may engage with U.S. Government entities, policy organisations and civic institutions.
Relevant areas can include law enforcement, cybersecurity, health security and conflict resolution.
Applicants should rank all three tracks. Selection for the Fellowship does not guarantee placement in the applicant’s first-choice track; applicants may be placed in another track that fits their profile.
Applicants also select sectors relevant to their work within their chosen tracks.
A 200-word maximum response is required explaining why the first-choice track is the best fit for the applicant’s current work and goals.
What You Need for the Application
The online application collects information across several sections.
1. Eligibility
You will provide:
- Country of residence
- Date of birth
- Eligibility information
Your date of birth must match your passport or government-issued identification.
2. General Information
You will provide:
- Full legal name
- City and country of birth
- Passport information
- Biological sex as shown on official identification
- Whether you live in or grew up in a national capital
- Whether your current and childhood location is a major city, another city/town or rural area
- Passport status
A passport is not required to submit the application, but selected Fellows must have a valid passport.
For the 2027 Fellowship, the passport must be valid through at least February 28, 2028, or March 31, 2028 if selected for the PDE.
3. Résumé/CV Information
The application asks for:
Professional experience — up to five positions
For each:
- Organisation name and location
- Professional title
- Work format: in-person, remote or hybrid
- Start and end dates
- Up to 100-word description
Education — up to five institutions
For each:
- Institution name and location
- Start and end dates
- Delivery method: online, in-person or hybrid
- Degree type
- Field of study
- Optional description of up to 100 words
Professional training and certifications — up to five
For each:
- Training/certification name
- Format
- Start and end dates
- Optional description of up to 100 words
Community and volunteer work — up to five
For each:
- Organisation name and location
- Work format
- Start and end dates
- Optional but recommended description of up to 100 words
Awards, honours, fellowships, grants and scholarships — up to 10
For each:
- Award/honour title
- Organisation that issued it
- Date received
- Optional description of up to 100 words
The application also asks for:
- Up to eight languages
- Up to 10 computer/software skills
- Publications, conferences and notable presentations
- Professional, leadership and community associations/affiliations
4. Demographic Information
These questions are optional and are used for statistical purposes. Responses are confidential and are not considered during selection.
They may help the U.S. embassy or consulate prepare appropriate interview accommodations.
Applicants with disabilities or chronic health conditions are encouraged to apply, and disclosure will not negatively affect the application.
5. Contact Information
Applicants provide:
- Phone number
- Email address
- Physical address
The information should be accurate and regularly accessible.
The Fellowship recommends providing an alternate email address in case access to the primary email is lost.
6. Current Professional/Educational Experience
Applicants provide their current work or study information, highest level of education completed or expected by June 2027, relevant sectors and current/recent professional level.
Professional levels include:
- Entry-level
- Mid-level, non-supervisory
- Mid-level, supervisory
- Executive
7. YALI Engagement
Applicants will answer questions about:
- How they learned about the Mandela Washington Fellowship
- Previous engagement with the YALI Network
8. Previous U.S. Experience
Applicants must disclose relevant U.S. experience, including:
- Employment
- Training
- Degree programmes
- Study abroad
- Personal travel
- Tourism
- Extended stays or residencies
Previous U.S. experience does not automatically disqualify an applicant.
For each previous U.S. trip, applicants may be asked for entry and exit dates, visa type and purpose of travel.
9. English Language
Applicants must assess their English proficiency.
The Fellowship requires strong written and spoken English because academic sessions, discussions, meetings, cultural activities and social interactions will be conducted in English.
Applicants select their proficiency level for each skill from:
- Absolute Beginner
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Very Advanced
TOEFL scores are not required.
Applicants who are deaf provide information about their written/read English and interpersonal communication, presentation and listening skills in American Sign Language (ASL).
10. Leadership Assessment
Applicants answer questions assessing how frequently they engage in different leadership activities in their work or communities.
The available responses range from Never to Very Often.
Personal Essay Questions
Applicants must answer five main essay questions.
Essay 1 — Leadership Achievement
Describe one significant professional accomplishment from the past 24 months that demonstrates your leadership strengths.
You should explain:
- The context
- Your role
- Specific actions you took
- The outcome
- Measurable results or concrete changes where possible
Maximum: 350 words.
Essay 2 — Professional Challenge
Describe a specific challenge in your professional sector and explain how you are addressing it.
Explain why the challenge matters and what skills, knowledge or perspectives you hope to gain from the Fellowship to address it more effectively.
Maximum: 250 words.
Essay 3 — U.S. Partnership
Describe one way you plan to build or strengthen a partnership with a U.S. organisation, business or professional network after the Fellowship.
Explain:
- The shared goal
- What you would contribute
- A realistic first step you would take within six months of returning to Sub-Saharan Africa
Maximum: 250 words.
Essay 4 — Applying Fellowship Skills
Explain how you plan to use the skills, networks or perspectives gained from the Fellowship after returning to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Include one specific initiative, role or goal you intend to pursue within 12 months of returning and identify who will benefit.
Maximum: 250 words.
Essay 5 — Difficult Decision
Describe a professional situation where you had to make a difficult or unpopular decision.
Explain the factors you considered and how you handled the outcome.
Maximum: 150 words.
Optional PDE Application Questions
Applicants who choose to apply for the optional Professional Development Experience must answer three additional questions:
- Provide a brief overview of your current professional role and responsibilities and your long-term career goals. Maximum: 150 words.
- Describe two or three transferable skills or areas of professional practice you hope to strengthen through the PDE, why they matter to your work and how you would use them after returning to Sub-Saharan Africa. Maximum: 250 words.
- Explain how your participation would benefit a U.S. host organisation, including the perspective, skills or insight you would bring and how the experience could support continued professional engagement with U.S. institutions, businesses or networks. Maximum: 250 words.
PDE applicants are evaluated on their ability to contribute professionally to a U.S. organisation, clear learning goals, flexibility, alignment between their background and potential placement, interest in continued U.S. engagement and English proficiency.
Only applicants who can dedicate preparation time and guarantee active participation should apply for the PDE.
Important Application Rules
The application is:
- Free
- Online only
- Mobile-friendly
- Available on computers, tablets and phones
- Designed to work in low-bandwidth environments
- Compatible with screen readers
You can save your application and return to it multiple times. You do not have to complete it in one sitting.
However, after submitting, you cannot make changes or add information.
Only one application may be submitted. Additional applications may result in disqualification.
All required fields marked with a red asterisk must be completed.
All application answers must be written in English.
Use of AI and Other Technology
Applicants may use tools such as:
- Spell-check
- Grammar support
- Translation applications
- Other technology for language mechanics and clarity
However, the experiences, examples, reasoning, plans and substance of the application must be the applicant’s own.
If any technology, including AI, is used to help prepare the application, this must be disclosed where requested in the application.
Copying language from websites, blogs, previous applicants or Fellowship alumni is considered plagiarism and can lead to disqualification.
Applicants with disabilities who need another person’s assistance may receive that assistance, but the ideas and content must remain their own.
Application Timeline
- September 22, 2026: Application opens
- October 13, 2026: Application deadline
- October 2026 – January 2027: Semi-finalist interviews by U.S. embassies and consulates
- February/March 2027: Applicants notified of status
- March – May 2027: Visa processing and pre-Fellowship activities for finalists
- June 2027: Fellowship begins in the United States
Document Checklist
Applicants should prepare the information needed for:
- ☐ Passport or government ID details
- ☐ Date of birth information
- ☐ Professional experience
- ☐ Education history
- ☐ Professional training/certifications
- ☐ Community and volunteer experience
- ☐ Awards, honours, fellowships, grants and scholarships
- ☐ Languages and software skills
- ☐ Publications, conferences and presentations
- ☐ Professional/community affiliations
- ☐ Contact information
- ☐ Current professional/educational information
- ☐ Previous U.S. travel information, if applicable
- ☐ Leadership experience
- ☐ Five personal essays
- ☐ Optional PDE essays, if applying for the PDE
A passport is not required when submitting the initial application, but selected semi-finalists must provide an international passport, if available, or another government-issued photo ID during the interview. Finalists must have the required valid passport.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official online application system.
Before starting, applicants are encouraged to read the official 2027 application instructions carefully and prepare their responses.
Deadline
The application deadline is Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM GMT.
For Nigeria, this is 5:00 PM WAT.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Conclusion
The Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded U.S. leadership and professional exchange opportunity for eligible young African leaders working across business and trade, emerging technologies, governance and security. Selected Fellows will receive six weeks of intensive training in the United States, with up to 50 also considered for an additional four-week professional placement.
Applications are open from September 22 to October 13, 2026.
