YALI Act of 2025

This bill sets up a long-term program to help young leaders in Africa grow their skills and build ties with the United States. It focuses on training in business, civic engagement, and public service; mentoring; and stronger networks between African and U.S. partners. It also aims to boost entrepreneurship, support good governance, and build skills to avoid risky lending and corruption. The plan encourages more spots in the Mandela Washington Fellowship and better support for alumni connections to U.S. resources .

The program includes U.S.-based leadership institutes and an annual summit for fellows, plus year-round training at regional centers in sub-Saharan Africa and an online network. It calls for partnerships with private companies, a detailed 180-day implementation plan, and yearly public reports for four years. The program ends five years after it becomes law, and the first report must also study the option to expand into North Africa .

• Who is affected: Young African leaders ages 18–35 for regional centers; 25–35 for U.S.-based fellowships. Participants are chosen based on leadership, entrepreneurship, public service, or peace-building impact in their communities .
• What changes: Creates the Young African Leaders Initiative with training, networking, fellowships in the U.S., reciprocal exchanges with Americans, and an online network. Expands partnerships with business and sets clear goals and tracking .
• When: Implementation plan due within 180 days; annual public reports start one year after the law takes effect and continue for four years; the program sunsets after five years .