The Mandela Washington Fellowship is conducted as a
merit-based open competition. After the deadline, all
eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection
panel. Chosen semifinalists will be interviewed by the
U.S. embassies or consulates in their home countries. If
selected for an interview, applicants must provide a copy
of their passport (if available) or other government-
issued photo identification to verify eligibility.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis
of race, color, gender, religion, socio-economic status,
disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The
Mandela Washington Fellowship is open to young African
leaders who meet the following criteria:
• Are between the ages of 25 and 35 at the time of
application submission, although exceptional
applicants younger than 25 will be considered.
• Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the
U.S.
• Are eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa.
• Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking
English.
• Are citizens and residents of one of the following
countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso,
Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African
Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the
Congo (DRC), Republic of the Congo, Cote d’Ivoire,
Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, 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, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda,
Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The U.S. Department of State and IREX reserve the right
to verify all of the information included in the
application.
In the event that there is a discrepancy, or
information is found to be false, the application will
immediately be declared invalid and the applicant
ineligible.
Applications not meeting the above technical eligibility
requirements will not be forwarded to the selection
committee.
If you do not meet the technical eligibility
requirements for this program, we invite you to
visit exchanges.state.gov for information on other U.S.
Department of State exchange opportunities.
What are the criteria for selection?
Selection panels will use the following criteria to evaluate
applications (not in order of importance):
• A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in
public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic
engagement;
• A demonstrated commitment to public or community
service, volunteerism, or mentorship;
• The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups
and respect the opinions of others;
• Strong social and communication skills;
• An energetic, positive attitude.
Demonstrated knowledge, interest and professional
experience in the sector/track selected;
• A commitment to return to Africa and apply
leadership skills and training to benefit the applicant’s
country and/or community after they return home.
Application Information
The application will collect basic information and will
include questions regarding the applicant’s professional
and academic experience, including educational
background; honors and awards received; extracurricular
and volunteer activities; and English language
proficiency. We will also request a résumé (with dated
educational and professional background), and personal
information (name, address, phone, email, country of
citizenship). Additional elements, such as letters of
recommendation or university transcripts, are OPTIONAL
and may supplement your application.
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