Zambia’s Mandela Washington Fellows Urged to Proudly Represent the Nation in the US
The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts has called on the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellows to proudly represent Zambia as they prepare to participate in the prestigious Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) in the United States.
Permanent Secretary Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, addressing the Fellows at a farewell meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters, praised their achievement in securing a place in this highly competitive fellowship. He described their selection as both a personal victory and a national honour.
“This fellowship is among the most competitive and esteemed programmes for young African leaders,” Mr. Chileshe said. “Your selection highlights your leadership, dedication to community service, governance, entrepreneurship, and the creative arts.”
He urged the Fellows to stay united as a Zambian delegation throughout the six-week leadership programme hosted at various US universities and institutions. Mr. Chileshe encouraged them to build strong peer networks and share experiences to amplify their impact.
Highlighting their role as cultural ambassadors, he called on the Fellows to proudly showcase Zambia’s heritage by wearing national colours, sharing traditional materials, and promoting local values of unity and resilience.
Mr. Chileshe also reminded the Fellows that the programme is more than academic; it is a call to serve. He encouraged them to actively engage with their host communities and bring back knowledge and experiences that will contribute to Zambia’s development.
He invited them to participate in national initiatives including Youth Week celebrations, sports and arts festivals, and mentorship programmes through youth resource centres.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, launched in 2014, annually gathers young African leaders for leadership training and academic coursework in the United States. The 2025 cohort includes Zambia’s best youth from sectors such as public service, business, civil society, and the creative industry.
