RFAs: Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is an opportunity funded by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX, under the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program will bring approximately 550 young African leaders to the United States in summer 2027 for a six-week, executive-style program to strengthen leadership in participants’ sectors and communities, and build partnerships with American counterparts. The application opens on 22 September 2026 and closes on 13 October 2026. The Mandela Washington Fellowship is designed to empower fellows to lead in their respective sectors and communities and to build partnerships with American counterparts. Fellows participate in a comprehensive, executive-style program in the United States, including learning, expert engagement, and networking with leaders in public and private sectors. The program also includes time to explore American innovation, industry, history, and culture, and it connects fellows to an active alumni network of nearly 7,800 members. The source describes the fellowship experience and benefits, but it does not specify a cash award amount, reimbursement policy, or cost-sharing details. Based on the provided information, fellows can expect: The Mandela Washington Fellowship is open to young African leaders who meet all of the criteria below: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Cote 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, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe Additional eligibility exclusions and conditions stated in the source: Program selection may also be affected by events impacting travel or the ability to conduct program activities. Nationals of countries subject to full or partial suspension of entry to, or visa issuance from, the United States are eligible to apply, but finalist selection will be considered case-by-case. The U.S. Department of State and IREX reserve the right to verify application information. If discrepancies are found, the application may be declared invalid and the applicant ineligible. The source identifies the fellowship’s professional focus areas and engagement themes. Fellows will engage with U.S. experts in: The selection criteria also reference a proven record and interest in related areas, including business, trade, emerging technologies, governance, and/or security. This fellowship is designed for young leaders who want to strengthen their leadership capacity and expand their professional networks through a structured, executive-style program in the United States. The program also emphasizes building partnerships with American organizations and returning to Sub-Saharan Africa to contribute skills to their communities. The merit-based selection process includes evaluation of English proficiency, professional track record, commitment to partnership-building, and leadership qualities. Official application page: Apply on the Mandela Washington Fellowship website Note: The provided source text does not include the specific online form link, required documents list, or step-by-step submission mechanics beyond the general process and eligibility requirements. Applicants should use the linked official application page and its “Application Instructions” for the complete submission requirements.

1) What is the Mandela Washington Fellowship, and who runs it?

It is a program of the U.S. Department of State (Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs), funded by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX.

2) When is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 13 October 2026. The source does not specify a deadline time or time zone.

3) Who can apply?

Young African leaders who meet all technical eligibility requirements, including age (25–35 on/before the deadline; exceptional 21–24 may be considered), non-U.S. citizenship/permanent residency, eligibility for a J-1 visa, English proficiency, citizenship in one of the listed African countries, and residency in that country (permanently residing there as of February 1, 2027). 4) Can I apply if I previously participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship? No. The source states applicants must not be alumni or prior participants of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

5) What happens after the application deadline?

Eligible applications are reviewed and scored according to selection criteria. Selected semifinalists are interviewed in person by U.S. embassies and consulates in November 2026 – January 2027.

6) When will finalists be notified?

Applicants are notified of their status in February/March 2027 (as stated in the selection timeline).

7) Are fellows allowed to bring dependents?

No. The source states fellows are not allowed to have dependents, including spouses and children, accompany them during the Fellowship. If you meet the age, citizenship, residency, English, and J-1 eligibility requirements, review the full eligibility details and the “Application Instructions” linked from the official application page. Prepare your responses based on the stated selection criteria and confirm your planned application submission method and any listed required documents in the official guidance before the 13 October 2026 deadline.