2027 Mandella Washington Fellowship for Young Africans (Fully-funded to the USA)

Mandella Washington Fellowship 2027 Abstract & Quick Facts

Host: US Department of State
Host Country: USA
Category: Fellowships || Trainings 
Benefits: Full Sponsorship• Living Stipends • Accommodation• Meals
Eligibility: Students from 50+ African Countries
Deadline: October 13, 2026

Mandella Washington Fellowship 2027 Details

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.

The Mandela Fellowship application process is a merit-based, open competition to become a part of the next generation of African leaders.

As a result of the Fellowship, young African leaders have built very strong networks with Africans and Americans.  They have renewed confidence and determination to contribute to their communities.

Mandella Washington Fellowship Benefits

The Mandella Washington Fellowship is an 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.

Mandella Washington Fellowship Requirements

To be considered for the 2027 Mandella Washington Fellowship, applicants must satisfy 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.

Selection Criteria for Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027

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

• A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in business or entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and/or public/government 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, and flexible attitude; 
• ​A demonstrated knowledge of, interest in, and professional experience in the preferred sector/Fellowship track and concrete goals for applying lessons knowledge and skills gained from the Fellowship to current and/or future work; and  
• ​A commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute skills and talents to build and serve their communities.

Required Documents for 2027 Mandella Washington Fellowship

To complete your application, prepare the following documents in advance:

• General Information
• Résumé/CV 

How To Apply for Mandella Washington Fellowship 2027

The step-by-step guide to apply for the 2027 Mandella Washington Fellowship is as follows;

• The Mandela Washington Fellowship selection process is a merit-based open competition.  After the deadline, independent readers will review all eligible applications.  
• Following this review, chosen semi-finalists will be interviewed by the U.S. embassies or consulates in their home countries.  
• Selected semi-finalists will be required to participate in these in-person interviews in their home country within Africa.  If advanced to the semi-finalist round, applicants must provide a copy of their international passport (if available) or other government-issued photo identification at the time of the interview. 
• Selected Finalists are required to attend the mandatory Pre-Fellowship Orientation in their home country within Africa.

Application Deadline: October 13, 2026

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