Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders 2027
Mandela Washington Fellowship (YALI) · U.S. Department of State
Six-week leadership institute at a U.S. university for young African leaders aged 25–35, with travel, housing and meals paid.
Bookmarking and application reminders live in the Togeva app.
At a glance
- Funding
- Travel, housing, meals & visa paid
- Format
- In person · United States (host universities), US
- Application fee
- No application fee
- Deadline
- Closes 13 Oct 2026, 16:00 UTC time
- Language
- English
The U.S. Government covers J-1 visa support, round-trip travel from your home city to the U.S., housing and meals during the programme, and a limited accident and sickness benefit plan. Applying is free.
Who can apply
- DZ, AO, BJ, BW, BF, BI, CV, CM, CF, TD, KM, CG, CD, CI, DJ, EG, GQ, ER, SZ, ET, GA, GM, GH, GN, GW, KE, LS, LR, LY, MG, MW, ML, MR, MU, MA, MZ, NA, NE, NG, RW
- Aged 21–35
You will need
- Online application with essays
- Proof of citizenship or residence
- Interview if shortlisted
About this opportunity
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship programme of the U.S. Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). In summer 2027 about 550 young leaders from across Africa, including Cameroon, will spend six weeks at a U.S. university studying leadership in business, civic engagement or public management.
What is covered
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip travel from your home city to the United States
- Housing and meals during the programme
- A limited accident and sickness benefit plan
This is a leadership fellowship, not a degree. Applying is free.
Programme
- Six-week Leadership Institute, mid-June to early August 2027
- Optional four-week professional development experience afterwards (about 10 weeks in total)
Who can apply
- Citizens or residents of one of the 54 eligible African countries, including Cameroon
- Aged 25 to 35 on the deadline (exceptional applicants aged 21–24 may be considered)
- Proficient in reading, writing and speaking English
- Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and eligible for a J-1 visa
- A record of accomplishment in business, technology, governance, civic life or security, and a commitment to return to Africa
Deadline: Tuesday 13 October 2026, 4:00 pm GMT. Apply at apply.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org. Read the official 2027 application instructions first.
Topics
- Business
- ICT
- Social work
- Law
- Education
- leadership
- united states
- young african leaders
Bookmarking and application reminders live in the Togeva app.