The Mandela Washington Fellowship will bring approximately 550 young leaders to the United States in the summer of 2027 for a comprehensive executive-style program designed to empower Fellows to lead in their respective sectors and communities and build partnerships with American counterparts.

Mandela Washington Fellowship to United States Benefits

The Fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity to…

Participate in a six-week executive-style institute at a U.S. college or university to share your experiences with and learn from American experts.

Engage with U.S. experts in in business and trade, emerging technologies, and governance and security.

Meet with American leaders in the public and private sectors to strengthen your professional network.

Explore American innovation, industry, history, and culture to expand your expertise.

Join an active network of nearly 7,800 alumni.

Requirements for Mandela Washington Fellowship to United States

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

Are between the ages of 25 and 35 on or before the application deadline, 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 or other U.S. Government entity); *

Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English (applicants who are deaf should refer to the “English Language” section of the application instructions);

Are citizens of one of the following countries: 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;

Are residents of one of the above countries, and will be permanently residing there as of February 1, 2027, and at the beginning of the Fellowship in June 2027; and

Are not alumni or prior participants of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

*Current IREX employees and consultants and their immediate family members (spouses, parents, children, and siblings) are not eligible to apply for any IREX-implemented grant programs, either as individuals or as the responsible party representing an institutional applicant.

Please note that Fellows are not allowed to have dependents, including spouses and children, accompany them during the Fellowship.

Selection Process

Application and Selection Timeline

September 22, 2026 | Application opens

October 13, 2026 | Application deadline

November 2026 – January 2027 | Semi-finalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates

February/March 2027 | Applicants notified of their status

March – May 2027 | Visa processing and pre-departure orientations for finalists

June 2027 | Fellowship begins in the United States

The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications (not in order of importance):

Proficiency speaking, reading, and writing in English;

A proven record of accomplishment in business, trade, emerging technologies, governance, and/or security; 

A demonstrated and clear interest in building and maintaining partnerships with American organizations and businesses that advance shared goals;

A commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute skills and talents to build and serve their communities;

The ability to work cooperatively in groups and to respect others;

Strong social and communication skills; and

Demonstrated adaptability and the ability to lead effectively in varying and changing environments.

The selection of finalists from all eligible countries may be subject to review in response to local, national, or global events that impact participant travel and/or the ability to conduct program activities. Nationals of countries subject to a full or partial suspension of entry to or visa issuance from the United States are eligible to apply, but selection of finalists from these countries will be considered on a case-by-case basis. See travel.state.gov for more information.

The U.S. Department of State and IREX reserve the right to verify all information included in the application.  You will be required to provide documentation verifying your age, citizenship, and residency at the interview stage if you are selected as a semi-finalist. In the event of a discrepancy, or if information is found to be false, the application will be immediately declared invalid and the applicant ineligible. Applicants who do not meet the above technical eligibility requirements will not be forwarded to the selection committee.  If you do not meet the technical eligibility requirements for this program, we encourage you to explore other exchange program opportunities offered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs or other resources available through the YALI Network.

Application Deadline

October 13, 2026

How to Apply

Have any questions?  Visit Frequently Asked Questions about the Fellowship application and check out the following resources:

Application instructions

Information for applicants with disabilities

For more Information, visit Mandela Washington Fellowship webpage