A total of 19 participants have been selected for the 2021 Mandela Washington Fellowship. The US Embassy Freetown has announced that the following leaders will participate in the 2021 Mandela Washington Fellowship: Abubakarr Kikin Shequ Kun Daoh, Ibrahim Barrie, Josephine Kamara, Lois Simche Lebbie, Mariatu Kabba, Phebean Mesi-Musu Judith Jan Swill, Seinya Amie Bakarr, Tamba Sangbah.
Among the lucky fellows are Sandra Ajaja (Nigeria), Bakary Coulibaly (Mali), Aminatou Diallo (Senegal), Kundi Doe (Liberia) Bereket Dubale (Ethiopia), Islam Elamin Elsheikh (Sudan), Ida FaaI (The Gambia), Franck Fade (Cote d’Ivoire), Daniel Helena (Angola), Thando Hlophe (South Africa), Edward Matiwane(South Africa), Abel Mekonnen (Ethiopia),Sanelisiwe Mlilo (Zimbabwe),Nonhlanhla Nyathi (Zimbabwe), Kwame Owusu Ansah (Ghana) Dielamo Oyeghe (Nigeria), Dehkonte Sawiea (Liberia), Relebohile Sera (Lesotho), among others.
United States Ambassador David Reimer stated that “These remarkable young leaders represent some of the very best Africa, and Sierra Leone, has to offer. They are talented, educated, and passionate about the future of their country. I wish them the very best as they take part in this prestigious program.”
On joining the Leadership Institute, Fellows will participate in a Virtual Summit. Additionally, up to 100 competitively selected Fellows will virtually engage in professional development with US organisations in the public, private, or non-profit sector. Fellows can participate in Alumni Programming after their Fellowships to further boost their professional skills and networks.
YALI was created in 2010 and supports young Africans spurring economic growth and strengthening democratic governance, and enhancing peace and security across Africa.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders was launched in 2014. It is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and symbolises the US’ commitment to invest in African youths.