Empowering African Leaders: The 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship at Notre Dame University

 25 African leaders have been chosen to participate in the prestigious 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders at the University of Notre Dame in the United States. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by IREX, this fellowship program aims to empower young leaders from across Africa with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive positive change in their communities.

The Notre Dame Initiative for Global Development (NDIGD), a vital part of Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs, has been instrumental in supporting the U.S.-based academic program of the Fellowship since 2014.

This year's cohort of Mandela Washington Fellows comprises 12 men and 13 women hailing from 18 different countries, spanning various industries, expertise, and causes. Despite their diverse backgrounds, all Fellows share a common entrepreneurial spirit and a track record of accomplishments in promoting innovation and positive change.

From Left ,Wilhelm (Tanzania), Milly (Uganda), Chioma (Nigeria), Noah (Zambia), Aicha (Senegal)

Throughout the six-week program, Fellows will immerse themselves in a rigorous Business and Entrepreneurship Institute. Topics covered will include design thinking, social entrepreneurship, business modeling and planning, strategic leadership, personal and professional branding, as well as applying foresight and innovation.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship at Notre Dame receives additional faculty support from various departments within the university, including the Keough School, the Mendoza College of Business, the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, the ESTEEM Graduate Program, and the IDEA Center. This collaborative effort ensures that Fellows receive comprehensive and multidisciplinary training to help them succeed in their endeavors.

Moreover, the Fellows will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from faculty members across these departments, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and knowledge. Similarly, faculty members will have the chance to engage with these young African leaders, further enriching their own understanding of global issues and solutions.

As these 25 African leaders embark on their journey at the University of Notre Dame, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of their communities. Together, they represent the promise of a brighter future for Africa and the world.

Bellow is the list of their names and what they do in their respective countries.

1. Aicha Aidara Bousso is a lawyer from Senegal.
2. Caleb Ndaka David is an information technology (IT) professional from Kenya.
3. Chioma Peace Chinaza Udoh is a community developer from Nigeria.
4. Fifame Marie Madeleine Gbonumi Akrota is a digital media mogul from Benin.
5. Jersia Livia Da C Dos Santos De Sousa is an educator and youth developer from Angola.
6. Johannes Kaveto Tjatjara is a water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and development expert from Namibia.
7. Johannes Oula Odhiambo is an educator and mobile software programmer from Kenya.
8. Kiadinotoavina Genot Ravel Harilanto is a Montessori educator from Madagascar.
9. Kudakwashe Khuleya is a self-described “serial social entrepreneur and philanthropist” from Zimbabwe.
10. Mariam Nourya Kone is an IT specialist and computer engineer from Côte d’Ivoire.
11. Michael Tekie Alemu is a lawyer by trade from Ethiopia who is in the process of shifting his career toward the microfinance and music sectors.
12. Milly Namwanje is a sustainability and economic development expert from Uganda.
13. Mohammad Aziim Imrit is an IT  specialist and programmer from Mauritius.
14. Noah Sianyambe Siachoto is an accountant and finance expert by trade from Zambia.
15. Nomfundo Noxolo Mkhize is a radio host and media mogul from South Africa.
16. Olivia Chinenye Onyemaobi is a former banker turned healthcare expert from Nigeria.
17. Palesa Innocent Mahlatji is a former banker turned information technology expert from South Africa.
18. Phillis Zyambo is an investigations officer with Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
19. Roselline Oppong Boamah is an education consultant from Ghana who specializes in early childhood development and primary education.
20. Shiemaa Abdelmoniem Ali Ahmed is an expert in logistics and product development from Sudan.
21. Sodiq Olajide Abiose is an expert in both civic and food technology from Nigeria.
22. Tadiwanashe Mukudzeyi Mangwengwende is an economist and higher education administrator from Zimbabwe
23. Thulani Nyararai Felix Mpofu is an IT specialist from Zimbabwe.
24. Tieho Mochebelele is information management and e-commerce expert from Lesotho.
25. Wilhelm Caspar Oddo is a self-described “serial entrepreneur with a passion for education and youth” from Tanzania.