Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027: Fully Funded

Applications are open for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027. The six-week U.S. programme will bring up to 550 young African leaders to colleges and universities across the United States in summer 2027.

Also, fellows will join an executive-style institute in one of three tracks: Business and Trade, Emerging Technologies, or Governance and Security. The programme also includes academic sessions, professional visits, networking, community service, and cultural activities.

Mandela Washington Fellowship benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

A fully funded six-week institute in the United States.
Round-trip travel from their home city.
J-1 visa support.
Housing and meals during the programme.
Domestic travel required for fellowship activities.
A limited accident and sickness benefit plan.
Training from U.S. experts and institutions.
Networking with American professionals and organisations.
Access to a large alumni network after the programme.
Possible selection for an optional four-week Professional Development Experience.

Also, the optional professional placement may take place with a U.S. business, nonprofit, or government organisation. Up to 50 Fellows will receive this additional opportunity. However, the programme does not cover salaries lost during travel or personal purchases.

Mandela Washington Fellowship Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

Be 25 to 35 years old by October 13, 2026.
Be an exceptional applicant aged 21 to 24, if considered under the programme rules.
Hold citizenship in an eligible African country.
Live in and remain permanently resident in an eligible country by February 1, 2027, and when the fellowship begins.
Read, write, and speak English fluently.
Qualify for a U.S. J-1 visa.
Not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
Not work for the U.S. Government or have an immediate family member who does.
Not have taken part in an earlier Mandela Washington Fellowship.

Furthermore, fellows cannot take spouses or children with them during the programme. Eligible countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, Ethiopia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and other participating African countries listed in the official instructions.

Fellowship tracks

Applicants will rank these three tracks:

Business and Trade: Entrepreneurship, commercial growth, trade, and workforce development.
Emerging Technologies: AI, machine learning, biotechnology, robotics, advanced computing, and responsible innovation.
Governance and Security: Public administration, accountability, policy, rule of law, stability, and security.

However, the final track placement may differ from an applicant’s first choice. Therefore, select options that match your experience and long-term goals.

Selection criteria

The selection team will consider:

English-language ability.
Leadership and professional achievement.
Interest in building U.S.-Africa partnerships.
Commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Plans to use new skills in the community.
Teamwork and communication.
Adaptability and leadership in different settings.

Mandela Washington Fellowship Application process

Applicants should prepare:

Professional and volunteer experience.
Education and training history.
Awards, publications, and affiliations.
Leadership examples.
English-language information.
Track preferences.
Personal statements and essay responses.

In addition, applications must be written in English and should reflect the applicant’s own experiences and ideas. Applicants may use technology for spelling, grammar, or translation support, but they must disclose such use where required.