The U.S. Embassy in Namibia has proudly announced the selection of 16 outstanding young Namibians for the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, a prestigious flagship programme under the U.S. government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).
The fellows, drawn from various regions including Omaheke, Kavango West, Khomas, and Omusati, represent a dynamic mix of professionals across business, civic engagement, and public service. They will join over 650 peers from across sub-Saharan Africa in a six-week academic and leadership programme hosted by top universities in the United States.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, which began in 2014, has to date empowered nearly 177 Namibians to drive innovation and sustainable development across their communities. This year’s cohort will pursue one of three academic tracks:
Business (entrepreneurship, innovation, job creation)
Civic Engagement (civil society, human rights, community leadership)
Public Management (governance, service delivery, policy implementation)
Beyond classroom learning, the programme includes leadership development workshops, community service, mentorship, and professional networking. A select number of fellows will also take part in a Professional Development Experience—a four-week placement at a U.S.-based organisation for hands-on learning.
Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Alexis Haftvani, congratulated the group, stating:
“The Mandela Washington Fellowship celebrates excellence, and Namibia continues to shine. These young leaders are shaping a future that reflects innovation, integrity, and service.”
The programme is funded by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by IREX.
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