About this opportunity
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the exchange component of the U.S. Government's work with emerging African leaders, implemented for the U.S. Department of State. The 2027 edition will bring approximately 550 young African leaders to the United States in summer 2027 for a six week executive style programme at a U.S. college or university.
Fellows choose one of three tracks, Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management, and spend the institute learning from American experts, meeting leaders from the public and private sectors, and exploring topics such as business and trade, emerging technologies, governance and security. Beyond the classroom, the programme opens doors to professional relationships across the United States and connects fellows to an active network of nearly 7,800 alumni.
The fellowship is open to citizens and residents of eligible African countries who are between 25 and 35 years old on or before the
Application timeline
, with exceptional applicants aged 21 to 24 also considered. Applicants must be proficient in English, permanently residing in an eligible country as of February 1, 2027, and eligible for a U.S. J-1 visa.
Applications must be submitted through the official online application system at apply.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org. The
Application timeline
is Tuesday October 13, 2026 at 16:00, that is 4:00 pm GMT. The official 2027 Application Instructions on the fellowship website set out
Eligibility
details, requirements and key deadlines, and interviews for semi-finalists are conducted by the U. S.
Missions.
What you receive
- A fully funded six week executive style institute at a U.S. college or university
- One of three tracks: Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management
- Direct engagement with American experts, and leaders from the public and private sectors
- Professional relationships and partnerships with American organisations
- Exposure to American innovation, industry, history and culture
- Lifetime access to a network of nearly 7,800 Fellowship alumni
Who can apply
- Be between 25 and 35 years old on or before the application deadline; exceptional applicants aged 21 to 24 may also be considered
- Be a citizen of an eligible African country
- Be a resident of an eligible country and permanently residing there as of February 1, 2027, and at the beginning of the Fellowship in June 2027
- Be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English
- Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa
Who should not apply
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents are not eligible
- Employees of the U.S. Government and their immediate family members are not eligible
- Previous Mandela Washington Fellowship participants or alumni are not eligible
- Current IREX employees, consultants and their immediate family members are not eligible for IREX-implemented programmes
- Fellows cannot bring dependents, including spouses or children, during the Fellowship
Documents to prepare
- Completed online application through the official application system
- Documentation verifying age, citizenship and residency at the interview stage, required of semi-finalists
How to apply
- Read the official 2027 Application Instructions on https://www.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org to confirm eligibility, requirements and key deadlines
- Create an account and complete the online application at https://apply.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org/Account/Login
- Submit before the deadline of Tuesday October 13, 2026 at 16:00 (4:00 pm) GMT, since applications must arrive through the online system
- If shortlisted, attend an interview organised by the U.S. Mission in your country and provide documents verifying age, citizenship and residency
Selection process
- Applications are assessed on English proficiency, proven accomplishment in business, trade, emerging technologies, governance or security, interest in building partnerships with American organisations, commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa, ability to work cooperatively, social and communication skills, adaptability and leadership in different environments
- Semi-finalists are interviewed by the U.S. Missions, and finalists are selected from the interviews
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
Questions applicants ask
How many fellows are selected?
Approximately 550 young African leaders will join the 2027 programme.
How long is the fellowship?
Six weeks, delivered as an executive style institute at a U.S. college or university in summer 2027.
Can I bring my spouse or children?
No. Fellows cannot have dependents, including spouses or children, accompany them during the Fellowship.
What is the application deadline?
Tuesday October 13, 2026 at 16:00 (4:00 pm) GMT, through the official online application system.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
