Thirty Young Ghanaian Leaders Selected for 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship
The United States Embassy in Accra has announced the selection of thirty dynamic young Ghanaians for the prestigious 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF), part of the U.S. government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). The Fellows, drawn from nearly every region of Ghana, were chosen through a rigorous, highly competitive process that recognized their outstanding achievements and commitment to driving positive change.
The 2025 cohort includes entrepreneurs, civil society advocates, and emerging public sector leaders, all between the ages of 25 and 35. These young professionals have distinguished themselves in diverse sectors such as agribusiness, rural entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, and social innovation.
During the fellowship, they will undergo intensive leadership development and professional training at leading U.S. universities and institutions in Washington, D.C., and cities across the country. The program aims to strengthen their skills, expand their networks, and foster innovative solutions to challenges facing Ghana and the broader continent.
“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,” said Rolf Olson, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy.
Since its inception in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has provided over 7,000 emerging leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa with opportunities to sharpen their leadership abilities and deepen their engagement in civic, business, and public management.
Upon their return, the 2025 Ghanaian Fellows will join a growing U.S. exchange alumni network of nearly 4,000 members. This network plays an active role in tackling local development challenges, promoting innovation, and strengthening U.S.-Ghana relations through collaborative initiatives in health, education, human rights, women’s empowerment, and more.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship continues to be a key platform for nurturing Ghana’s next generation of change-makers and supporting the nation’s broader development goals.
