The Mandela Washington Fellowship will bring up to 700 young leaders to the United States in the summer of 2024.
Fellows are fully sponsored to the USA (all expenses of travel, accommodation, and meals covered) for a comprehensive executive-style program that is designed to build skills and empower Fellows to lead in their respective sectors and communities.
OPPORTUNITY AT A GLANCE:
| Program Name | Mandela Washington Fellowship 2024 |
|---|---|
| Offered By | U.S. Department of State and IREX |
| Number of Participants | Up to 700 young African leaders |
| Program Duration | Six-week Leadership Institute in the United States |
| Coverage | Fully funded (travel, accommodation, meals) |
| Objective | Build leadership skills among young African leaders |
| Eligibility | – Ages 25-35 (exceptions for ages 21-24) |
| – Proficient in English | |
| – Citizen of an eligible African country | |
| – No discrimination based on various criteria | |
| Selection Criteria | – Leadership in business, civic engagement, or public service |
| – Commitment to community service and cooperation | |
| – Social and communication skills | |
| – Interest and experience in relevant sectors | |
| Application Process | Apply online via the fellowship application page |
| Contact Information | MWFReaders@irex.org |
| Deadline | 10 September, 2024 |
Fact about the Mandela Washington Fellowship
- Global Impact: The Fellowship aims to bring up to 700 young leaders from diverse African countries to the United States, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange on a significant scale.
- Comprehensive Sponsorship: All expenses for travel, accommodation, and meals are fully covered for the Fellows, ensuring a worry-free experience focused solely on leadership development.
- Executive-Style Program: Designed as an intensive six-week Leadership Institute, the program immerses participants in executive-style training, equipping them with advanced skills and insights needed to drive change in their sectors and communities.
- Networking Opportunities: Fellows have the opportunity to network with U.S. Government officials, business leaders, and civic organizations, fostering valuable connections that can catalyze future collaborations and initiatives.
- Diverse Learning Experience: Beyond traditional classroom settings, participants explore various industries and expand their expertise, gaining practical knowledge that goes beyond their daily work routines.
- Alumni Network: Graduates join a prestigious Alumni Network, spanning across Africa and the globe, providing ongoing support, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration to tackle common challenges.
- Commitment to Impact: Applicants are selected based on their demonstrated leadership, commitment to public service, and potential to apply their skills back in their home countries, ensuring the program’s impact extends far beyond the Fellowship period.
- Merit-Based Selection: The selection process is rigorous and merit-based, emphasizing leadership accomplishments, community service, cooperative spirit, and a strong commitment to returning to Africa to make a positive difference.
- Promotion of Democratic Governance: By strengthening leadership capabilities and promoting democratic values, the Fellowship contributes to enhancing governance, peace, and security across Africa and in partnership with the United States.
- Cultural Exchange: Participants not only contribute to their professional growth but also engage in cultural exchange, sharing their heritage and learning from diverse perspectives, enriching both personal and professional development.
Details For 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship
The U.S. Department of State and IREX are seeking academic, professional, and regional experts to read and score applications for the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.
The Fellowship brings young leaders to the United States for academic coursework and leadership training to create unique opportunities for Fellows and U.S. citizens to collaborate, spur economic growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa and the United States.
Readers will be responsible for evaluating approximately 50 applications based on set guidelines and a scoring rubric. This is a great volunteer professional development and résumé-building opportunity for professionals or degree-seeking individuals.
Requirements For 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship
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 will be considered;
- Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English (additional guidance coming for applicants who are deaf);
- 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;
- Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
- Ideal readers are academics and/or professionals with expertise in one or more of the Fellowship’s thematic areas (business, civic engagement, or public management), or who have experience working in Africa or on sub-Saharan African issues.
- U.S. Government employees and Fellowship Alumni are eligible. Applicants for the 2024 Fellowship are not eligible to be readers.
Duration and Reward For 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship
The Fellowship is a fully funded unparalleled opportunity to;
- Participate in a six-week Leadership Institute at a U.S. college or university to share your experiences with and learn from U.S. citizens and other Fellows.
- Explore industries beyond your daily work and expand your expertise.
- Participate in a Summit with young African leaders.
- Meet with U.S. Government, civic, and business leaders.
- Strengthen your work through new connections, skills, and ideas.
- Join a continental and global Alumni Network to help you seek innovative solutions to common challenges.
Selection Criteria For 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship
The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications (not in order of importance):
- A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in business, civic engagement, or public 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 attitude;
- A demonstrated knowledge of, interest in, and professional experience in the preferred sector/track; and
- A commitment to return to Africa and apply leadership skills and training to benefit the applicant’s country and/or community after they return home.
How To Apply For 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship
To apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, interested and qualified applicants should follow the procedures below;
- Click on the button below to visit the fellowship application page
- Click on the “Apply Now to Be A Fellowship Reader” button.
- Contact the Fellowship Team at MWFReaders@irex.org with any questions.
- The Mandela Washington Fellowship selection process is a merit-based open competition.