Mandela Washington Fellowship 2026 | Reciprocal Exchange Component Now Open

Mandela Washington Fellowship 2026:Overview

The Reciprocal Exchange Component of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders provides U.S. professionals the opportunity to collaborate with Fellowship Alumni across Sub-Saharan Africa. Established under the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and administered by IREX, this program strengthens lasting partnerships, expands markets, and builds networks between the United States and Africa.

Since its inception in 2014, the Reciprocal Exchange has supported hundreds of short-term, high-impact projects that foster collaboration in business, entrepreneurship, education, governance, health, and community development.

Mandela Washington Fellowship 2026: Eligibility

U.S. Professionals

• Must be U.S. citizens living in the United States.

• Cannot be employees or immediate family members of U.S. Government staff.

• May not complete more than two in-person Reciprocal Exchange projects.

• Eligible even after completing:

  • 2 in-person projects → may apply for hybrid.

  • 1 in-person + 1 hybrid → may apply for either.

  • 2 hybrid projects → may apply for either.

Fellowship Alumni

• Must be in good standing with the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

• Cannot be U.S. Government employees or immediate family members.

• Must reside in the proposed project country and be present for full implementation.

Benefits

• Funding Support

  • Up to $3,000 for hybrid projects.

  • Up to $5,000 per U.S. participant (max 4 participants = $20,000 ceiling) for in-person projects.

• Visa Support – IREX covers visa fees and services (except Nigeria, which requires direct embassy application).

• Capacity Building – Develop impactful short-term projects (max 4 weeks) benefiting African communities.

• Networking & Market Access – Expand professional networks, build skills, and gain new business opportunities.

• Mutual Learning – Participants share knowledge gained abroad with U.S. organizations and communities upon return.

Fellowship/Program Components

• Hybrid Projects: U.S. professionals participate virtually (via Zoom/other platforms) while Alumni lead on the ground.

• In-Person Projects: U.S. professionals travel to Sub-Saharan Africa to co-design and implement projects.

• Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, economic development, education, health, governance, leadership, and social impact.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• A joint application co-developed by the U.S. professional and Fellowship Alum.

• A clear project plan with defined activities and measurable goals.

• A budget proposal aligned with funding limits.

• Bank details and signed Terms & Conditions for fund disbursement.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed on:

• Demonstrated impact on the local African community and U.S. organizations.

• Evidence of joint design and collaboration between the U.S. professional and Alum.

• Clear, realistic, and measurable implementation plan.

• Potential for sustainable impact beyond the project period.

• Strong alignment with Fellowship objectives of leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Application Process

• Deadline: September 19, 2025

• Notification of Award: December 2025

• Grant Period: February 1 – June 30, 2026

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2026 | Reciprocal Exchange Component Now Open