Are you a young person from Africa? Do you want to learn a lot about how to become a part of the next generation of African leaders? If the answers are yes, the good news is that there is a fellowship program known as the Mandela Washington Fellowship which is open to outstanding young leaders from specific African countries. Of course, you need to meet eligibility guidelines, to follow the application process and pass through the selection procedure as mentioned in this article for becoming the next winner of this fellowship program.

Related: The Machel-Mandela Fellowship Program for Young Graduates

The Mandela Washington Fellowship will allow up to 700 young leaders to go to the USA in the summer of 2023 for a comprehensive executive-style program designed for building skills and for empowering Fellows to lead in their respective communities and sectors.

Considering the selection process, the Mandela Washington Fellowship is an open competition based on merit. Applicants are reviewed by independent readers. Then semi-finalists are interviewed by the U.S. embassies or consulates in the home countries of applicants. The semi-finalists will have to participate in these in-person interviews in their home countries in Africa.

See also: International House Graduate Fellowship Program 2022-2023

Benefits

To mention a few, the benefits to be gained from the Mandela Washington Fellowship include:

▶ Strengthening your work through new ideas, connections, and skills.

▶ Exploring industries beyond your daily work and expanding your expertise.

▶ Joining a continental and global Alumni Network for helping you seek innovative solutions to common problems.

▶ Meeting with U.S. Government, business, and civic leaders.

▶ Participating in a 6-week Leadership Institute at a U.S. university or college for sharing your experiences with and learn from United States citizens and other Fellows.

▶ Participating in a Summit with young African leaders.

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Who Should Apply?

Qualified candidates for the Mandela Washington Fellowship are young African leaders meeting requirements outlined below:

▶ Being citizens of one of the countries listed here.

▶ Being residents of one of the above countries;

▶ Age: Between 25 and 35 on or before the closing date for application submission, although exceptional candidates with age (21-24) will be taken into consideration;

▶ Not being employees or immediate family members of employees of the United States Government (including a United States embassy or consulate, USAID, or other United States Government entity);

▶ Are not United States citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.;

▶ Being eligible to get a United States J-1 visa;

▶ Not being Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, and

▶ Being proficient in and speaking, writing, and reading English (further guidance coming for candidates who are deaf).

It important to note that it is not acceptable for Fellows to have dependents, comprising spouses and children, to accompany them during the Fellowship.

Check also: Pan African University Scholarship 2022-2023

Important Dates

Submission of application for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2023 will open on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 whilst the closing date is on September 13, 2022.

Read also: Chevening Scholarship 2022/2023

Further Information and Before Applying

If you are interested in the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2023, please visit the official website for learning more about the selection criteria and process, application resources, application process, fellowship benefits, application timeline, eligibility requirements, and the Frequently Asked Questions about the about the application for Mandela Washington Fellowship among other things.

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