Applications for the 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) are now open, with young African leaders invited to apply for the fully funded programme.
The US Embassy to Kenya announced on Wednesday that the fellowship will bring up to 550 young leaders to the United States in the summer of 2027 for a comprehensive executive-style programme.
The programme is designed to equip participants with leadership skills, strengthen their ability to drive change in their communities and sectors, and create partnerships with their American counterparts.
“We are thrilled to announce the 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) application is live!” the US Embassy said.
Applicants must be between 25 and 35 years old and should be accomplished leaders with a record of innovation and community engagement.
Successful applicants will choose from three tracks: Business and Trade, Emerging Technologies, or Governance and Security.
The application deadline is Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship programme of the US Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).
The fellowship was established in 2014 by the US Department of State, with funding from the US Government and administration by IREX.
Since its inception, nearly 7,800 young African leaders have completed the programme.
The 2027 cohort will bring up to 550 young leaders to the United States for the summer fellowship programme.
Selected participants will receive full funding to take part in the fellowship.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
