President Obama announces the launch of a training program for young African leaders in the United States

On June 29, President Barack Obama announced the creation of a training program for young African leaders called the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders , before an audience of more than 600 dynamic young leaders from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda. This project is the new flagship program of the U.S. President’s Young African Leaders Initiative.

Starting in 2014, 500 young African leaders will participate in this program annually, receiving leadership and mentorship training. The program will also provide participants with a unique opportunity to use their newly acquired skills to drive economic growth and prosperity, and strengthen democratic institutions in Africa. Over the next five years, this initiative is expected to expand to 1,000 young leaders each year.

Individuals eligible for this program must be between 25 and 35 years old, have demonstrated leadership in public, private, or civil society organizations, and show a strong commitment to using their skills and talents to build and serve their communities. The training participants will attend will be the beginning of a long-term investment in these young leaders. The U.S. government is currently collaborating with businesses, governments, and institutions to create exciting opportunities for them to apply their skills in Africa.

President Obama launched the African Youth Leaders Initiative in 2010 to support the efforts of young Africans to foster growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across the African continent. During its African Youth Leaders Forum in Washington that year, a large number of young Africans were invited to the White House to discuss issues related to leadership, youth empowerment, and good governance. Given that 60 percent of Africans are under the age of 35, the United States government fully understands the importance of investing in the next generation of African leaders to ensure the success of African democracies and economies.

Key events held in Africa and later in the United States following this forum have fostered the development of new networks of leaders across the continent. Participants in the African Youth Leadership Initiative have leveraged these events by establishing youth-led organizations and networks, advising their governments, and creating dynamic new businesses. The United States government considers this initiative crucial in helping young African leaders shape the continent’s future and ensure the peace, security, and prosperity it deserves.

Source : US Department of State