Applications are open for the 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, a programme of the U.S. Department of State.
Up to 550 young leaders from eligible Sub-Saharan African countries will travel to the United States in summer 2027 for intensive leadership and professional development at U.S. educational institutions.
Benefits include:
✅ No application fee
✅ Round-trip flight from your home city to the USA
✅ Domestic travel in the USA required by the programme
✅ J-1 visa support
✅ Fully funded 6-week Leadership Institute
✅ Accommodation throughout the programme
✅ Meals during the programme
✅ Limited accident and sickness benefit plan
✅ Networking with U.S. professionals, businesses and institutions
✅ Opportunity to apply for an additional 4-week Professional Development Experience in the USA
✅ Access to alumni networking and professional development opportunities after the Fellowship
The 2027 Fellowship has three tracks:
➤ Business and Trade
➤ Emerging Technologies
➤ Governance and Security
Who can apply?
Applicants should generally be 25–35 years old by the application deadline. Exceptional applicants aged 21–24 may also be considered.
You must be a citizen and resident of an eligible Sub-Saharan African country, be proficient in English and have a demonstrated record of leadership and professional achievement.
📅 Deadline: 13 October 2026 at 4:00 PM GMT
Please read the eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
Important for AI users: The Fellowship permits responsible use of technology, including AI, but you must disclose its use where requested, and your experiences, reasoning and responses must remain your own.
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