To establish a comprehensive United States Government initiative to build the capacity of young leaders and entrepreneurs in Africa, and for other purposes.
The Young African Leaders Initiative Act of 2023 establishes a comprehensive U.S. government program to develop the next generation of African leaders and entrepreneurs, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. The legislation expands the existing Mandela Washington Fellowship by increasing participation opportunities for young Africans aged 25 to 35 who demonstrate leadership potential, and creates at least four regional leadership centers across sub-Saharan Africa to offer year-round training in business, entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management for individuals aged 18 to 35. The program is administered by the Secretary of State in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development and includes six-week leadership institutes in the United States, an annual fellowship summit, ongoing support for alumni in their home countries, and networking opportunities with U.S. and global leaders. The Secretary of State must submit an implementation plan to Congress within 180 days and annual progress reports for five years detailing program outcomes, effectiveness in advancing U.S.-Africa relations, and recommendations for improvement. The program is authorized for five years from enactment, though no specific funding amount is designated in the bill itself.
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