The Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027 brings about 550 young African leaders to the United States for a six-week executive-style institute at a U.S. college or university in June 2027. Applications close on 13 October 2026. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs funds it and IREX administers it. For founders and operators across Anglophone and Francophone Africa, one rule filters the pool first: you must be proficient in English.
At a glance
| Deadline | 13 October 2026 (no time of day is listed on the official page) |
| Applications opened | 22 September 2026 |
| Who can apply | Citizens or residents of eligible Sub-Saharan African countries, aged 25 to 35 on or before the deadline (some applicants aged 21 to 24 may be considered) |
| Program | Six-week executive-style institute at a U.S. college or university, June 2027 |
| Selection | Interviews between November 2026 and January 2027, notification in February or March 2027 |
| Cost to apply | No application fee mentioned on the official page |
| Official page | Mandela Washington Fellowship application page |
Who can apply
You must be a citizen or resident of one of the eligible Sub-Saharan African countries. The application page lists them in full. You must be 25 to 35 years old on or before 13 October 2026, although the page says exceptional applicants aged 21 to 24 may be considered.
The page also sets out who is not eligible. You cannot apply if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a U.S. Government employee or an immediate family member of one, or a prior Fellow or program participant. You must be able to hold a J-1 visa. Nationals of countries affected by U.S. visa suspensions are still eligible, and their cases are reviewed one by one.
What you get
Fellows attend a six-week institute in June 2027. The page describes engagement with American experts in business, technology and governance, plus networking and cultural immersion. It does not itemize which costs the fellowship covers, so read the program’s own FAQ before you plan travel or leave from work.
How to apply
- Check the list of eligible countries and the exclusions on the official application page.
- Prepare your application. The page refers to essays and references, so line up your referees early.
- Submit online by 13 October 2026.
- If you reach the semifinal stage, expect an embassy or consulate interview between November 2026 and January 2027.
- Finalists are notified in February or March 2027 and complete a mandatory pre-departure orientation before the June 2027 institute.
Advice from the Africapreneurs team
- Francophone and Lusophone applicants should treat English as a hard requirement. The program asks for proficiency in speaking, reading and writing, so write your answers in your own English rather than relying on a translation.
- Run the exclusion list before you write a word. Prior Fellows, U.S. Government employees and their immediate family members are out.
- Plan around the rule on dependents. The page states that spouses and children do not travel with Fellows.
- Keep your calendar open for interviews. They run from November 2026 to January 2027, and you may need to travel to an embassy or consulate.
- Submit a few days before 13 October 2026. The page lists no extension.
FAQ
Is there a fee to apply?
The official page mentions no application fee.
Can I apply if I am a founder rather than a public servant or NGO leader?
The page sets criteria on age, citizenship or residence, English and visa eligibility. It does not exclude founders.
Can I bring my family?
No. The page states that dependents such as spouses and children are not permitted.
When will I hear back?
Interviews take place between November 2026 and January 2027. The page gives February or March 2027 for notification.
