HR 4332119th CongressIn Committee

YALI Act of 2025

Introduced: Jul 10, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37] (D-California)

Defense & National Security

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Young African Leaders Initiative Act of 2025 (YALI Act of 2025) would establish a comprehensive United States government program to build the capacity of young leaders and entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan Africa. Led by the Secretary of State (with involvement from USAID and other federal agencies), the bill would expand and formalize the existing Young African Leaders Initiative by continuing and strengthening leadership training, entrepreneurial development, and public administration capacity. It would broaden and coordinate programs around the Mandela Washington Fellowship, create regional leadership centers in Africa, and connect US-based and Africa-based activities through networks and partnerships. The bill includes plan-making, annual reporting on progress and impact, and a sunset provision after five years, with emphasis on public diplomacy, private-sector partnerships, and alignment with broader US-African policy goals.

Key Points

1Establishes the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) to build leadership, entrepreneurship, and public administration capacity in sub-Saharan Africa, including providing professional development, training, networking, and economic/technical assistance to promote growth and improved governance.
2Expands Mandela Washington Fellowship participation and oversight: fellows from Africa aged 25–35 with demonstrated leadership and impact, overseen by the Secretary of State via the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; the Secretary will publish eligibility criteria and selection criteria.
3Creates regional leadership centers and networks: at least four regional leadership centers in sub-Saharan Africa to offer in-person and online training for 18–35-year-olds, plus an online network linking African leaders with private and public sector actors.
4Details US- and Africa-based activities: includes a six-week Leadership Institute in the United States for Mandela Fellows, an annual Fellowship Summit, ongoing leadership training for alumni in Africa, and networking with alumni and other US-funded regional programs (e.g., YSEALI, YLAI, YPL, YTILI) where practicable.
5Implementation, evaluation, and sunset: requires a plan within 180 days describing goals, targets, and outcomes; a monitoring/evaluation strategy; and branding/public diplomacy considerations. It also requires annual progress reports for five years and a sunset provision five years after enactment, meaning the program would lapse unless renewed.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Young African leaders and entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan Africa (ages roughly 18–35 for regional centers; 25–35 for Mandela Fellows), plus civil society and public administration actors who participate in YALI.Secondary group/area affected: United States government agencies (State Department, USAID) and US-based educational institutions hosting Leadership Institutes; private sector partners and potential employers who engage with YALI alumni; diplomatic channels and public diplomacy efforts.Additional impacts: Potential growth in US-Africa trade and investment, stronger civil society and governance capacity in African countries, increased regional networking among African leaders, and alignment with other US regional leadership programs (YSEALI, YLAI, YPL, YTILI). The plan to assess expansion to Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt could broaden or shift regional outreach, including North Africa.Mandela Washington Fellowship: a flagship YALI program that brings African young leaders to the United States for leadership training and networking (the bill envisions expanding and coordinating this fellowship).Public-private partnerships: collaborations between government agencies and private companies or foundations to fund and run programs.Public diplomacy: government efforts to influence foreign public opinion and strengthen relationships through cultural, educational, and informational activities.

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