Niël Terblanché
Sixteen young Namibians have been selected to participate in the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.
The fellowship, part of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), brings together around 650 participants from across Sub-Saharan Africa for a six-week academic and leadership programme in the United States.
The United States Embassy in Namibia said the programme aims to build leadership skills, support innovation, and offer hands-on learning through academic study, training, and professional networking.
Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Alexis Haftvani said this year’s Namibian cohort includes professionals from Omaheke, Kavango West, Khomas, and Omusati regions. The group represents fields such as business, civic engagement, and public service.
Since 2014, nearly 177 Namibians have taken part in the fellowship.
Participants will be placed at top U.S. universities and colleges to follow one of three academic tracks: business, civic engagement, or public management. Each track includes classroom learning, workshops, community service, and mentoring. Some fellows will also take part in a four-week professional development experience at U.S.-based organisations to gain real-world insights in their fields.
Haftvani congratulated the selected fellows.
“The Mandela Washington Fellowship celebrates excellence, and Namibia continues to shine. These young leaders are shaping a future that reflects innovation, integrity, and service,” she said.
The fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by IREX. Haftvani said the initiative strengthens people-to-people ties and helps young African leaders make meaningful contributions to inclusive development in their communities.
