Meet the Fellows

The Mandela Washington Fellowship has brought nearly 5,100 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training.

The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries. Fellowship Alumni continue to build the skills and connections developed during the program through access to ongoing professional development, networking, and collaboration opportunities with support from the U.S. Department of State and affiliated partners.

Fellowship Alumni Fast Facts

• Fellows come from all 49 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
• 43% of Fellows own a business, and 36% run a non-profit
• 5% of Fellows report having a disability
• Since 2014, Fellows have contributed more than 67,000 hours of community service to U.S. organizations and social services. 
• By meeting U.S. counterparts and Alumni through Fellowship activities, 98% of 2022 Fellows increased their connections with people from other countries.