The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) [https://yali.state.gov/] equips emerging African leaders with the necessary skills, resources, and networks for positive change in their communities and countries. Launched in 2010 by President Barack Obama, the U.S. government’s signature investment in the next generation of African leaders supports them in promoting growth and prosperity, strengthening democratic governance, and improving peace and security on the continent.

This transformative change is delivered through knowledge gained from highly demanded and competitive training programs in business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management. YALI training is structured around key support services, namely, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Regional Leadership Centers in Ghana-Accra, Senegal-Dakar, Kenya-Nairobi, and South Africa-Pretoria, and the YALI Network. Through these initiatives, YALI has nurtured a vibrant community of leaders who are committed to transforming Africa’s future.

As YALI continues to grow each year, so does its influence through the work of alumni and other network members who share their experiences and model community service, civic engagement, and ethical leadership. So far, the YALI program has more than 6,500 graduates of the Mandela Washington Fellowship program, 27,000 graduates of the Regional Leadership Centers, and more than 640,000 YALI Network members.

The program continues to empower thousands of Africans to take on leadership roles in their societies, contributing to the continent's development and forging a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Some leaders who participated in YALI programs have been recognized by Forbes as leading social and business entrepreneurs and innovators, appointed ministers and elected to public office, and reached more than one million beneficiaries in 2017 alone through their non-profit organizations. YALI's impact builds a strong foundation for Africa's growth and development prospects.