The United States Embassy in Banjul announces the selection of eight young Gambians to participate in the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders in the United States. The Fellows are: Ebrima Sama, Mamy Sira Samateh, Hadim Jah, Sera Gillen, Modou Jallow, Fatoumatta T. Tiyana Ceesay, Annette Camara, and Madeline Ileleji.
These young Gambian professionals will be among many young leaders selected from across Africa to participate in the 2025 fellowship. They were chosen from a multitude of Gambians who applied for this year’s program based on their community service, leadership in Business, Civic, and Public Management tracks, and most importantly, their contributions to the country’s progress through various platforms.
Several U.S. educational institutions across different states will host the fellows. The Institutes, hosted by college and university campuses across the United States, will support the development of the Fellows’ leadership skills through academic study, workshops, mentoring, networking with U.S. leaders, and collaboration with members of the local community.
Launched in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and embodies the U.S. commitment to invest in the future of Africa. YALI was created in 2010 and supports young Africans as they spur economic growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa.
A Pre-Departure Orientation Ceremony was held for the eight Gambian Fellows, presided over by Ambassador Sharon Cromer. Ambassador Cromer congratulated them on their achievements in advancing the country’s development agenda through their respective professions. She called on them to remain steadfast as Ambassadors of The Gambia while in the United States and to implement the lessons learned upon their return.
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
Young African Leaders Initiative Network
