The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders.
Mandela Washington Fellowship
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is YALI’s flagship program, bringing African civic, business, and community leaders for academic coursework, leadership training, and networking at U.S. colleges and universities.
Regional Leadership Centers
The four YALI Regional Leadership Centers provide in-person and online training throughout the year in business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership and public management. They also offer extensive opportunities for professional development and networking.
YALI Network
Through the YALI Network, young Africans can connect with other leaders in their community, and access free online courses in topics ranging from entrepreneurship to human rights and civic participation.
Let's Serve Africa Together! Each year, #YALIServes calls on African leaders to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela through community service. This year, we are asking all young African leaders to organize or attend a community service event throughout the week of July 18. No matter where you are, or what type of service interests you, we can all join #YALIServes to Serve Africa Together!
YALI Regional Leadership Centers build on existing institutional capacity in Africa to provide high quality training, mentoring, and networking support to a greater number of young leaders than can be reached through the Mandela Washington Fellowship. The Centers reach exceptional young leaders between the ages 18 and 35 from a wide range of backgrounds and diverse experiences.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, begun in 2014, is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) that empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking. In 2019, the Fellowship will provide 700 outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to hone their skills at a U.S. college or university with support for professional development after they return home.
Invest in today’s ambitious young leaders by becoming a Mandela Washington Fellowship partner. Individuals, organizations, and academic institutions in the United States can take advantage of partnership opportunities with the program.