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their passion for community leadership, 
entrepreneurial excellence, and 
global engagement is supported and 
strengthened. While on campus, they 
participated in a six-week Leadership in 
Business Institute, in collaboration with 
the Keough School for Global Affairs, 
the IDEA Center, and the Mendoza 
College of Business. Notre Dame’s 
Leadership in Business Institute offers 
academic courses, leadership training, 
community service, cultural exchange, 
and networking opportunities tailored 
to the specific interests and career 
trajectories of cohort members. These 
activities are designed to provide skills 
and connections which Fellows can use 
to elevate and amplify the impact they 
are already making in their countries.
Beyond the academic and professional 
gains, the Fellowship at Notre 
In 2024 the Mandela Washington 
Fellowship (MWF), the flagship program 
of the Young African Leaders Initiative 
(YALI) within the U.S. Department 
of State, celebrated its tenth year 
furthering leadership development 
for young African changemakers. 
The University of Notre Dame has 
served as a host Institute for the 
MWF for all 10 years, nurturing and 
expanding the skills and networks of 
emerging leaders between the ages 
of 25 and 35 across the African 
continent. The MWF works to amplify 
the impact of these proven leaders in 
the communities and countries.
This year, the Pulte Institute welcomed 
24 fellows from 21 countries, united 
by their passion for innovation and 
entrepreneurship. At Notre Dame, these 
Fellows find an environment in which 
 Celebrating 10 Years at Notre Dame
Years of Mandela Washington Fellows
Dame fosters camaraderie among its 
participants. The program nurtures the 
next generation of African leaders who 
will shape a brighter future for the world.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is 
sponsored by the U.S. Department of 
State and implemented by IREX. The MWF 
at Notre Dame is generously supported 
by corporate partners IBM and Capsim. 
This year marks the tenth anniversary of 
the partnership between Notre Dame and 
IBM in support of this work.
The 2024 Mandela
Washington Fellowship
40 | Mandela Washington Fellowship
The Pulte Institute for Global Development

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