International leadership development

Lloyd Chunga, a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow, believes in making a difference one step at a time. As a software engineer, Chunga leverages technology to address educational gaps and climate issues in his home country, Malawi. This summer, he took the next step in his career by developing essential leadership skills at the University of Delaware.

"This Fellowship is a chance to affect the world you want for your country," Chunga said. "It puts you in a position to be the change you want to see."

The Mandela Washington Fellowship, the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Institute (YALI) in the U.S. Department of State, invites emerging African leaders to participate in a six-week leadership institute at colleges and universities throughout the United States. These young, accomplished leaders already have established records of promoting innovation and positive impact in their communities and countries. The Mandela program is designed to help propel them in their careers and to become the next generation of leaders in Africa.

Since 2014, the Fellowship has supported 6,500 professionals who have profoundly impacted their communities and countries. Throughout the program, Fellows with interests in business, civic engagement and public management participate in networking opportunities, professional development workshops, academic sessions, mentorship programs, valuable cultural experiences, and a culminating summit in Washington, D.C.