The Mandela Washington Fellowship 2026 includes the flagship Leadership Institutes in the U.S., as well as several opportunities for U.S. professionals and Fellowship Alumni. Applications for alumni and U.S. professionals for the 2026 program are open as of August 2025, while the primary application for young African leaders will open later in the year.
The 2026 Mandela Washington Fellowship at a glance
| Component | Participants | Status | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leadership Institutes | Young African leaders (ages 25–35) from Sub-Saharan Africa | Not yet open for 2026. Likely to open around August/September 2025. | TBD |
| Reciprocal Exchange | U.S. professionals and Fellowship Alumni | Open | September 19, 2025 |
| Alumni Professional Development Experience (PDE) | Fellowship Alumni | Open | September 3, 2025 |
Flagship program: The Leadership Institutes
This is the core program for which the Fellowship is known, bringing young African leaders to the U.S. for academic and leadership training.
Program components
- Academic and leadership training: Fellows participate in a six-week Leadership Institute in one of three tracks: Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management.
- Networking and professional connections: The program is designed to foster connections between Fellows and U.S. professionals, organizations, and communities.
- Follow-on opportunities: After returning home, Alumni can access continued professional development, networking, and collaboration opportunities.
Eligibility for African leaders
To be considered for the Leadership Institutes, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 25 and 35 years old. Exceptional leaders as young as 21 may also be considered.
- Be a citizen and resident of one of the eligible Sub-Saharan African countries.
- Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
- Not be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an employee or immediate family member of a U.S. government employee.
How to prepare for the 2026 application
While waiting for the 2026 application to open, prospective applicants can take the following steps to strengthen their candidacy:
- Build your leadership profile: The Fellowship seeks applicants with a track record of impact and innovation. Focus on developing your leadership in your chosen sector.
- Refine your essays: The application requires essay responses. Start brainstorming and outlining your experiences using frameworks like the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your achievements.
- Avoid plagiarism: All applications are checked for plagiarism by the U.S. Department of State and IREX. Use your own words and experiences.
- Network: Join the YALI Network to connect with other leaders, access resources, and receive program updates.
Opportunities for Alumni and U.S. professionals
Reciprocal Exchange
This program component provides funding for U.S. professionals to travel to Sub-Saharan Africa to collaborate on projects with Fellowship Alumni.
- Grant period: The 2026 grant period runs from February 1 to June 30, 2026.
- Funding: Grants of up to $3,000 for hybrid projects or up to $5,000 for in-person projects are available.
- How to apply: The application is open, with a deadline of September 19, 2025.
Alumni Professional Development Experience (PDE)
This is a virtual professional development opportunity for Fellowship Alumni to work with U.S. organizations and businesses.
- PDE period: January 20 to February 27, 2026.
- Commitment: Requires 10–15 hours per week of virtual engagement.
- Stipend: While unpaid, a stipend is available to offset technology costs.
- How to apply: The application is open, with a deadline of September 3, 2025.
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