Applications are open for Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025; see eligibility criteria and how to apply

Applications have officially opened for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025, which seeks to take 700 young African leaders through a 6-week training at a top U.S. educational institution.

Apart from the 6-week training at a U.S. college or university to share their experiences with and learn from U.S. citizens and other Fellows, qualified participants will also get the opportunity to visit industries beyond their daily work and expand their expertise as young African leaders. They will also participate in a Summit with young African leaders, and meet with U.S. Government, civic, and business leaders, among other things.

Key dates for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025

• August 13, 2024: Application opens
• September 10, 2024: Application deadline
• November 2024 – January 2025: Semi-finalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
• March 2025: Applicants notified of their status
• May 2025: Visa processing and Pre-Departure Orientations for Finalists
• June 2025: Fellowship begins in the United States

The Mandela Washington Fellowship selection process is a merit-based open competition. After the deadline, independent readers will review all eligible applications. Following this review, chosen semi-finalists will be interviewed by the U.S. embassies or consulates in their home countries.

Selected semi-finalists will be required to participate in these in-person interviews in their home country within Africa. If advanced to the semi-finalist round, applicants must provide a copy of their international passport (if available) or other government-issued photo identification at the time of the interview. Selected Finalists are required to attend the mandatory Pre-Fellowship Orientation in their home country within Africa.

Who is eligible to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025?

The Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025 is open to young African leaders who meet the following criteria: Applicants..

• Are between the ages of 25 and 35 as of the application deadline (September 10, 2024), although exceptional applicants ages 21-24 may be considered.
• Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
• Are eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa.
• Are not employees or immediate family members (spouses, parents, children, or siblings) of employees of the U.S. Government (including a U.S. embassy or consulate, USAID, or other U.S. Government entity)
• Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English (additional guidance coming for applicants who are deaf)
• Are citizens residing in Africa as of May 1, 2025, and at the beginning of the Fellowship in June 2025.
• Are not Alumni or prior participants of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

Criteria for evaluating applications for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025

After applicants have satisfied the eligibility criteria, the selection committee for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025 will use the following criteria to evaluate applications:

• A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in business or entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and/or public/government service; 
• ​A demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship; 
• ​The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and to respect the opinions of others; 
• ​Strong social and communication skills; 
• ​An energetic, positive, and flexible attitude; 
• ​A demonstrated knowledge of, interest in, and professional experience in the preferred sector/Fellowship track and concrete goals for applying lessons knowledge and skills gained from the Fellowship to current and/or future work; and  
• ​A commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute skills and talents to build and serve their communities. 

To apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025, click here.