Seventeen Liberian professionals have completed the Mandela Washington Fellowship, a six-week leadership development program held across universities in the United States.
The initiative, launched in 2014, focuses on three areas – Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, and Public Management. Fellows took part in academic courses, mentorship sessions, and networking with U.S. industry leaders, aimed at building skills to drive economic growth, improve public services and strengthen communities back home.
Since its creation, the fellowship has brought more than 6,500 young African leaders to U.S. institutions. Washington describes it as a way to share knowledge, foster partnerships and build long-term professional ties that highlight American leadership and innovation.
Participants had access to university facilities, research labs and corporate environments as part of the exchange.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Zadrozny praised the Liberian fellows, calling their return timely as Washington steps up support for commercial partnerships and investment to drive sustainable development in Liberia.
The program is part of broader U.S. engagement with Africa, designed to strengthen diplomatic ties while showcasing American expertise in education and mentorship.
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