Young African Leaders Initiative

YALI was created in 2010 and supports young Africans as they spur economic growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa. Since 2014, the U.S. Department of State has supported Mandela Washington Fellows from across Sub-Saharan Africa to develop their leadership skills and foster connections and collaboration with U.S. professionals. 

The Fellowship empowers young African leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, mentoring, networking, professional opportunities, and support for activities in their communities.  Fellows are young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa who have a proven record of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organizations, institutions, or communities.  The cohort of Fellows hosted by Dartmouth is part of a larger group of Mandela Washington Fellows being hosted across the United States.  

Working closely with the Department of State's Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs and its implementing partner, IREX, Dartmouth has designed academic programs that will challenge, inspire, and empower these young leaders from Africa.