Posted: 2026-09-23 20:19:40  Deadline: October 13, 2026   Fully Funded Fellowship   Eligibility: Selected Countries (Kenya included)

The 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is inviting applications from young African leaders for a six-week leadership and professional development program in the United States. The Fellowship includes academic sessions, professional site visits, networking, community service and cultural activities, with an optional four-week Professional Development Experience (PDE) for selected Fellows.

Opportunity Details

Opportunity: 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Location: United States.
Fellowship Duration: Six weeks, from June 2027.
Optional PDE: Additional four-week professional experience for up to 50 selected Fellows.
Application Fee: None.
Application Deadline: October 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM GMT.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should generally be aged 25–35 by October 13, 2026; exceptional applicants aged 21–24 may be considered.
Must be a citizen and resident of an eligible Sub-Saharan African country, including Kenya.
Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
Must be eligible for a U.S. J-1 visa and meet the Fellowship's residency requirements.
Must not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or a previous Mandela Washington Fellow.

Fellowship Benefits

J-1 visa support and round-trip travel to the United States.
Six-week leadership institute with academic training, site visits and networking.
Housing and meals during the program.
Limited accident and sickness benefit plan.
Optional four-week Professional Development Experience for selected Fellows.
Continued networking and professional development opportunities as an alumnus.

Application Requirements

Professional experience, education, training and certifications.
Community and volunteer experience, awards and professional affiliations.
Professional skills, publications, conferences and presentations where applicable.
English language proficiency assessment.
Leadership assessment and personal statements.
Applicants must submit original responses based on their own experiences and ideas.

Fellowship Tracks

Business and Trade – entrepreneurship, business, trade and workforce development.
Emerging Technologies – AI, machine learning, innovation, advanced computing and technology adoption.
Governance and Security – governance, accountability, public administration, security and institutional effectiveness.

Application Process

Interested and eligible applicants should complete the official online application before the deadline. The application includes personal and professional information, leadership assessments and essay responses. Applicants may save their application and return to complete it, but submitted applications cannot be edited.

Application Deadline:October 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM GMT.

Application Link: apply.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org

More details: 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship (Instructions)