The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is the United States’ 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 (RLCs) provide in-person and online training throughout the year in business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership and public management. They also offer opportunities for professional development and networking.
YALI Network
The YALI Network provides free tools and resources to help young African leaders develop the skills and connections they need to become a positive force for change in their communities.
A free press is a key component of a democratic society. When citizens are more informed, active, and engaged, they are more likely to hold their governments accountable. Community journalists can fill the gap between what is covered by news organizations and what is happening locally. YALISpeaks provides everyday citizens with the tools to become community journalists, ensuring they understand how to report on issues facing their communities in a responsible, ethical, and effective way.
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 is the United States' flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) that empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.
