KAMPALA, UGANDA – SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 —The Mandela Washington Fellowship, a flagship program of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), has opened applications for its 2024 cohort. This prestigious fellowship empowers young African leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking, aimed at driving positive change across the continent.
The fellowship is open to citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries, including Uganda, who meet specific eligibility criteria. Ideal candidates are self-identified leaders aged 25-35 with a proven track record of promoting innovation and positive change in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries. They must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English, not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa.
The fellowship offers a comprehensive program that includes a six-week academic and leadership institute at a U.S. university or college in one of three tracks: business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, or public management. Fellows will also participate in a three-day summit in Washington, D.C. for networking and panel discussions with U.S. leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Additionally, selected Fellows will remain in the U.S. to participate in a six-week professional development experience with U.S. non-governmental organizations, private companies, and governmental agencies related to their professional interests and goals.
Upon returning to their home countries, Fellows will continue to receive support through ongoing professional development opportunities, mentoring and networking, training, and seed funding to support their ideas, businesses, and organizations. The application process is merit-based and open until the deadline. Applicants will be evaluated based on their proven record of leadership and accomplishment, demonstrated commitment to public or community service, strong social and communication skills, knowledge of and experience in their preferred sector, and commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to their communities.
Interested applicants can visit [insert website] to learn more about the fellowship and submit their applications. The Mandela Washington Fellowship has empowered nearly 1,000 young leaders since 2014, providing them with skills and connections to drive positive change in Africa. Don’t miss this opportunity to join the ranks of Africa’s most promising leaders.
