Mandela Washington Fellowship 2026 Available Now

Are you ready to collaborate across continents and make an impact in Sub-Saharan Africa while strengthening professional ties between the U.S. and Africa? The Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange Component 2026 is officially accepting applications—and this is your chance to join a transformative leadership and innovation experience.

About the Reciprocal Exchange

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), created to empower future African leaders. Since 2014, the Fellowship has built a network of changemakers and innovators. Its Reciprocal Exchange Component takes this further by supporting partnerships between U.S. professionals and Fellowship Alumni in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Through this exchange, U.S. participants can travel or engage virtually to implement projects with Fellowship Alumni that directly benefit communities, expand markets, and foster long-term professional relationships.

Internship Package and Benefits

Successful applicants receive funding and logistical support to implement collaborative projects:

• Hybrid Exchange Projects: Grants of up to $3,000 per project.
• In-Person Projects: Grants of up to $5,000 per selected participant (up to four participants per project, with a maximum of $20,000).
• Visa Support: IREX covers visa procurement fees and services for travelers.
• Professional Growth: Participants gain international project experience, expand networks, and strengthen their leadership skills.
• Community Impact: Projects must deliver measurable benefits to communities in the Alumni’s home countries while also enhancing U.S. organizations and networks.

Location and Duration

• Projects are carried out in Sub-Saharan African countries where Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni reside.
• Hybrid projects involve virtual collaboration via Zoom or similar platforms, while in-person projects allow U.S. participants to travel.
• Each project should be completed within four (04) weeks during the grant period.

Eligibility Criteria

The program has joint eligibility requirements for both U.S. professionals and Fellowship Alumni:

• For U.S. Professionals

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  • Must be U.S. citizens living in the United States.
  • Cannot be employees or immediate family members of U.S. Government employees.
  • May complete no more than two in-person Reciprocal Exchange projects but remain eligible for hybrid ones.

• For Fellowship Alumni

  • Must be recognized Alumni in good standing with the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
  • Must reside in the proposed project country and be present for the full duration.
  • Cannot be employees or immediate family members of U.S. Government staff.

This eligibility ensures a fair and impactful collaboration between both sides of the exchange.

Timeline and Key Dates

Mark your calendars carefully—applications close soon:

• Application Deadline: September 19, 2025
• Notification of Awards: December 2025
• Grant Implementation Period: February 1 – June 30, 2026

Projects must be proposed with clear, measurable goals and demonstrate joint engagement from both the U.S. professional and the Fellowship Alumni.

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