This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

We’re celebrating this milestone by highlighting the impact of exchange alumni from the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (MWF) program and YALI Regional Leadership Centers (RLC).

Are you a MWF or RLC alumna or alumnus with a story to share? Email us at exchangealumni@state.gov.

MWF and RLC alumni, you can access special resources and professional development tools on the Mandela Washington Fellowship tab. Log in to find opportunities just for you!

Check out the winners from this year's YALI 10 Competition!

And check out 10 inspiring impact award stories funded by the Alumni Rapid Response Fund (ARRF).


With many businesses impacted by the pandemic, some are using the economic downturn to advance tech innovation and e-learning.
With less than 5% Internet broadband and only 40% adult literacy, access to accurate information is difficult to come by.
Exchange alumni like Abdurahman I. A Fofana and others are carrying on the spirit of Nelson Mandela in many ways.
Thelma Ahamba is designing face masks that are comfortable and stylish, helping to flatten the curve and stem the spread of the coronavirus in her community.

Preserving Folklore Through the Art of Storytelling

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Honest Storytelling Connects Him to Africa and the United States

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Empowering Women in Ghana Through the WomanEmpowered Network

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Confronting Gender-Based Violence with the Power of Community

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