Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027 in the United States
The Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027 will bring approximately 550 young African leaders to the United States for an executive-style programme focused on leadership, professional development, and partnerships with American counterparts. Fellows participate in a six-week institute at a U.S. college or university. Applications close on October 13, 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
Opportunity Type: Leadership Fellowship
Host: U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Country: United States
Programme Format: Executive-style programme
Institute Duration: Six weeks
Fellowship Start: June 2027
Deadline: October 13, 2026
About the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is designed to empower young African leaders to lead in their sectors and communities while building partnerships with American counterparts.
Approximately 550 participants are expected to travel to the United States in summer 2027.
During the Fellowship, participants attend a six-week executive-style institute at a U.S. college or university. They share their experiences and learn from American experts while developing professional connections.
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What the Fellowship Offers
The official programme highlights several opportunities for selected Fellows:
✓ Participation in a six-week executive-style institute at a U.S. college or university
✓ Engagement with U.S. experts in business and trade, emerging technologies, governance, and security
✓ Meetings with American leaders from the public and private sectors
✓ Opportunities to strengthen professional networks
✓ Exposure to American innovation, industry, history, and culture
✓ Membership in an active network of nearly 7,800 alumni
Eligibility Criteria
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is open to young African leaders who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
• Be between 25 and 35 years old on or before the application deadline. Exceptional applicants aged 21–24 may also be considered.
• Not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
• Be eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa.
• Not be employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government.
• Be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Be citizens of one of the countries listed as eligible by the Fellowship.
• Reside in one of the eligible countries and be permanently residing there as of February 1, 2027, and when the Fellowship begins in June 2027.
• Not be alumni or previous participants of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Fellows cannot have dependents, including spouses and children, accompany them during the Fellowship.
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Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens and residents of one of the countries identified by the programme:
Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 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.
Selection Criteria
The Fellowship uses a merit-based open competition.
Applications are evaluated according to criteria that include:
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English
• A proven record of accomplishment in business, trade, emerging technologies, governance, and/or security
• A clear interest in developing and maintaining partnerships with American organisations and businesses that advance shared goals
• A commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute skills and talents to local communities
• The ability to work cooperatively in groups and respect others
• Strong social and communication skills
• Adaptability and the ability to lead effectively in changing environments
After eligible applications are reviewed and scored, selected semifinalists are interviewed in person by U.S. embassies and consulates in their home countries.
Semifinalists must provide an international passport, if available, or another government-issued photo identification during the interview. Selected finalists must also attend a mandatory in-person pre-departure orientation.
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Important Dates
Application Opens: September 22, 2026
Application Deadline: October 13, 2026
Semifinalist Interviews: November 2026 – January 2027
Applicant Status Notifications: February/March 2027
Visa Processing and Pre-Departure Orientations: March – May 2027
Fellowship Begins in the United States: June 2027
Application Process
Applicants must complete their application through the official 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship application system.
The official application system confirms that all applicants must submit their applications through the online platform. New applicants can register and begin a 2027 application, while applicants who have already started can sign in to continue.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027 is:
October 13, 2026
Applicants must complete the official online application by the stated deadline.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
