The U.S. Embassy in Accra has announced the selection of thirty Ghanaians for the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship, part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). These individuals, ranging from entrepreneurs to public service leaders, were chosen through a competitive process and represent nearly every region of Ghana. The selected Fellows are between 25 and 35 years old and have demonstrated leadership and innovation within their communities.
The Fellows will participate in professional development and leadership training across various fields such as agribusiness, rural entrepreneurship, health, and education. This training will take place at universities and institutions in Washington, D.C., as well as other cities throughout the United States. Rolf Olson, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., stated that "the Mandela Washington Fellows represent some of the most talented and visionary young professionals in Ghana. Their leadership, dedication, and perseverance are commendable and reinforces our shared values and promotes mutual prosperity."
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is YALI's flagship program, offering up to 650 young African leaders leadership development opportunities in the United States this year. Since its inception in 2014, over 7,000 young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa have participated.
Upon returning to Ghana, these Fellows will join an extensive U.S. exchange alumni network comprising nearly 4,000 members. This network collaborates with both U.S. and Ghanaian leaders to create community-based solutions addressing public policy challenges in areas such as health, education, human rights, women's empowerment, among others.