Mandela Fellows workshop

Led by the College of Public Service and Community Solutions, ASU will host 50 accomplished young professionals for two institutes: civic leadership and public management. The program is oriented to young leaders from sub-Saharan Africa who serve the public through non-governmental organizations, community-based nonprofits or volunteerism.

President Obama launched the Young African Leaders Initiative in 2010. Through this initiative, emerging leaders are gaining the skills and connections they need to accelerate their own career trajectories and contribute more robustly to strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth and enhancing the peace and security in Africa.

Working closely with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and its implementing partner, IREX, host institutions have designed academic programs that will challenge, inspire, and empower these inspiring young leaders from Africa.

The Fellowship serves as the beginning of their training. The U.S. government has a long-term investment in YALI, planning to work with institutions and the next generation of African entrepreneurs, educators, activists and innovators to create meaningful opportunities in Africa.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is a program of the U.S. government and is supported in its implementation by IREX. ASU is a sub-grantee of IREX and is supporting the U.S.-based academic program of the Fellowship.