YALI Act of 2025
The Young African Leaders Initiative Act of 2025 (YALI Act of 2025) would codify and expand the U.S. government’s Young African Leaders Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa. Under the bill, the Secretary of State would run YALI, aiming to build the leadership, entrepreneurial, governance, and public-management capacity of young African leaders. The measure would broaden U.S. support for Mandela Washington Fellows, create at least four regional leadership centers in sub-Saharan Africa, and establish an online network to connect young leaders with opportunities in the private and public sectors. It also emphasizes reciprocal exchanges for U.S. citizens and requires an implementation plan within six months and annual reporting on progress, policy alignment, and potential expansion to North Africa. The program is set to sunset five years after enactment unless reauthorized. The bill envisions a comprehensive set of activities—both in the United States and in Africa—that combine leadership training, networking, and targeted economic and technical assistance. It seeks to strengthen ties between the United States and African business communities, promote good governance and anti-corruption, expand private-sector investment, and bolster regional peace and security through youth leadership. It also directs ongoing evaluation and branding to ensure alignment with U.S. foreign-policy goals and inclusive participation.
Key Points
- 1Establishes the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) to be run by the Secretary of State, focusing on business, civic engagement, and public administration in sub-Saharan Africa, including leadership, entrepreneurship, elections, human rights, and governance.
- 2Expands and oversees Mandela Washington Fellowship participation from Africa (for fellows aged 25-35 with demonstrated leadership and positive impact), with eligibility criteria published and oversight by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
- 3Creates not fewer than four regional leadership centers in sub-Saharan Africa to provide in-person and online training (ages 18-35) in entrepreneurship, public management, and civic leadership, plus an online network to connect regional leaders with opportunities.
- 4Sets forth U.S.-based activities for Mandela Washington Fellows (a six-week Leadership Institute and an annual Summit) and Africa-based activities (continued alumni training, online courses, regional center training, and expansive networking with alumni and U.S. and regional programs).
- 5Encourages public-private partnerships, private sector leverage, and funding opportunities to advance YALI objectives and accompanying jobs/mentorship prospects.
- 6Requires an implementation plan within 180 days detailing goals, targets, evaluation plans, and alignment with U.S. foreign-policy objectives, including diversity and inclusion considerations.
- 7Requires annual reports to Congress (and public access) for five years, assessing progress, U.S.-Africa relations, program improvements, and a feasibility assessment for expanding YALI to Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt.
- 8Sets a five-year sunset for the Act’s provisions, after which they cease unless renewed.