YALI Act of 2025

This proposal would create a long-term U.S. program to help young leaders in sub‑Saharan Africa build skills in business, civic engagement, and public service. It offers training, mentoring, and networking, plus economic and technical help to grow jobs, improve government, fight corruption, and support peace and security. It also aims to strengthen ties between U.S. and African businesses and help young people avoid predatory lending.

It supports the Mandela Washington Fellowship for ages 25–35, including six‑week leadership institutes at U.S. colleges and an annual summit. The plan encourages increasing the number of fellows over past levels. U.S. citizens may do “reverse” exchanges to work with fellowship alumni. At least four leadership centers would be set up in Africa, with an online network for courses and connections. The State Department would partner with the private sector, deliver an implementation plan within 180 days, and publish yearly public reports for four years. The first report must also assess expanding the program to North Africa. The program would end after five years unless renewed.

• Who is affected:
  • Young African leaders ages 18–35 for regional centers and 25–35 for U.S. fellowships; U.S. citizens who join exchange projects; U.S. schools and employers that host or partner.
• What changes:
  • Training, mentoring, and networking; U.S.-based fellowships and an annual summit; at least four Africa-based leadership centers and an online network; public‑private partnerships; clear goals, monitoring, and public reports.
• When:
  • Plan due within 180 days of becoming law; annual reports for four years; possible expansion reviewed in the first report; program sunsets after five years.