The U.S. Mission in Uganda has announced that 27 Ugandans were selected to participate in the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship for young African leaders for a six- week leadership institute at U.S. universities in the areas of civic engagement, public management, and business and entrepreneurship.
Launched in 2014 and celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and embodies the U.S. commitment to invest in the future of Africa.
YALI was created in 2010 and supports young Africans as they spur economic growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa.
Since 2014, nearly 6,000 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa have participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
This year, 28 U.S. educational institutions in 20 states and the District of Columbia will be hosting leadership institutes for approximately 700 Mandela Washington Fellows from across sub-Saharan Africa.
The six-week fellowship hosted at college and university campuses will support the development of fellows’ leadership skills through academic study, workshops, mentoring, networking with U.S. leaders, and collaboration with members of the local community.
Speaking at the send-off reception, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp highlighted the importance of this exchange program in strengthening leadership skills and fostering connections between the United States and Uganda.
“Their participation on the program will not only benefit their personal growth but will also contribute to their communities back home through the knowledge, experiences, and skills they are going to gain.”
After their leadership institutes, fellows will participate in a Summit in Washington, D.C. to connect and learn from other fellows across Africa.
Additionally, three Ugandan competitively selected fellows will engage in professional development with U.S. organizations in the public, private, or non- profit sector.
Fellows can participate in alumni programming after their Fellowships to further build their professional skills and networks.