Ever wondered what six weeks at a US university could do for your leadership work back home? The Mandela Washington Fellowship brings young African leaders to the United States for a leadership institute, with the programme funded by the US Government.
It is built for leaders aged 25–35 from eligible Sub-Saharan African countries who are already making progress in business, technology, or governance. There is no application fee, and travel, housing and meals are covered.
Quick Facts: Mandela Washington Fellowship
- Opportunity Type: Fellowship (leadership institute)
- Host Organization: Mandela Washington Fellowship (Young African Leaders Initiative), funded by the US Government; application system run via IREX
- Location: United States (US colleges and universities)
- Format / Mode: In person
- Duration: Six weeks (mid-June to early August 2027); optional four-week Professional Development Experience for about 50 fellows
- Funding / Financial Support: Fully funded programme costs (travel, housing, meals, J-1 visa support); salaries and personal expenses are not covered
- Stipend / Salary: Not specified by the host
- Application Fee: Free
- Nationality: Citizen or resident of an eligible Sub-Saharan African country; not a US citizen or permanent resident
- Degree Required: None
- Age: 25–35 (exceptional applicants aged 21–24 may be considered)
- Work Experience: None
- Fields / Areas: Business and Trade; Emerging Technologies; Governance and Security
- Start Date: Mid-June 2027
- Deadline: 13 October 2026
- Deadline Time: 4:00 PM
- Deadline Timezone: GMT
What Is This Opportunity?
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a US Government programme for young African leaders. Fellows take part in a six-week institute at a US college or university, in cohorts of roughly 25 people, focused on one of three tracks.
Up to 550 young leaders take part. It is a good fit if you want structured leadership training, a peer network and a chance to bring ideas back to your community.
Who Can Apply?
- Nationality: Citizen or resident of an eligible Sub-Saharan African country (check the official list)
- Age: 25–35; exceptional applicants aged 21–24 may be considered
- Background: Demonstrated accomplishment in business, trade, technology, governance or security
- Language: Proficient in reading, writing and speaking English
- Commitment: Willingness to return to Sub-Saharan Africa after the programme
- Visa: Eligible for a US J-1 visa
- Not eligible: US citizens or permanent residents, and employees of the US Government or their immediate family
- Dependents: Fellows cannot bring dependents
What Do You Get?
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip international travel and domestic US transportation
- Housing and meals
- A six-week institute programme
- Limited health coverage
- An optional four-week Professional Development Experience (about 50 fellows)
Not covered: salary for time away from work and personal expenses.
What Will You Do?
- Join a six-week institute at a US college or university
- Study within your chosen track alongside a cohort of about 25 fellows
- Build your leadership skills and peer network
- Optionally take part in a four-week Professional Development Experience, if selected
Fields / Areas
- Business and Trade
- Emerging Technologies
- Governance and Security
How to Apply
- Read the official 2027 application instructions for Mandela Washington Fellowship.
- Check that you meet the eligibility criteria above.
- Create an account and submit your application on the official application system before the deadline.
Looking for more programmes like this? Browse our Fellowships category.
Important Deadline
13 October 2026 | 4:00 PM GMT
Online systems can get busy near a deadline, so it is worth submitting a few days early.
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