East Africa

Program

Service

Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) - YALI East Africa Leaders Program Movemeback African initiative cover image

Details

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched by former President of the United States Barack Obama as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. The need to invest in grooming strong, results-oriented leaders comes out of the statistics: nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60% of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35.

Who will empower and lead these young Africans? Who will shape the future of business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management? In order to answer these questions, YALI promotes three models designed to identify and empower young leaders: the YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship, YALI Network, and the Regional Leadership Centers across Africa.

Criteria

  • Are 18 to 35 years of age at the time of application submission
  • Are citizens and residents of one of the following countries: Burundi, Central African Republic. Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
  • Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S
  • Are eligible to receive any necessary visa to Kenya
  • Are proficient in reading, writing, listening and speaking English

Benefits

  • Business and Entrepreneurship: This track caters to the range of emerging or aspiring entrepreneurs who expect to take on leadership roles within the private sector or build their own business ventures on the continent
  • Civil Society Management: This track is oriented to those who are or aspire to be civically engaged and serve the public through non-governmental organizations, community based organizations, or volunteerism
  • Public Policy and Management: This track is tailored to those who work or aspire to work in any level of government (including elected positions), regional organizations such as the African Union or the West Africa Community, international organizations such as the United Nations, or other publicly minded organizations or think tanks
  • At the end of the program participants will be awarded with certificate and become a member of the YALI Alumni
  • Participants will be taking through various forms of leadership training to prepare them for leadership role in their various endeavors

About Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)

The Young African Leaders Initiative Network (YALI Network) is a part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) – President Obama’s signature effort to invest in the next generation of African entrepreneurs, educators, activists, and innovators. Nearly one in three Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60 percent of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35. The White House launched YALI in 2010 to support young African leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa.