H.R. 4332 — YALI Act of 2025

This section expresses the sense of Congress that the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), launched in 2010, is a signature U.S. effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders; that the United States should prioritize capacity-building for emerging young leaders in sub-Saharan Africa (e.g., enhancing leadership skills, entrepreneurship, public administration, civil society, peace and security, and cross-sector connections); that African youth positively contribute to economic growth, governance, transparency, and countering extremism; and that the Secretary of State should increase Mandela Washington Fellowship participants from Africa above the 700 fellows in FY2021 and connect YALI alumni to U.S. public and private resources.

This section establishes the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), to be carried out by the Secretary of State, to build the capacity of young African leaders in sub-Saharan Africa in business, civic engagement, and public administration through professional development, training, networking, and economic assistance. YALI includes (1) the Mandela Washington Fellowship for fellows ages 25-35 who demonstrate capabilities in entrepreneurship, innovation, public service, and leadership, overseen by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with published eligibility criteria; (2) reciprocal exchanges for U.S. citizens with fellowship alumni; (3) at least four regional leadership centers and an online network established by USAID for young leaders ages 18-35 demonstrating capabilities in entrepreneurship, innovation, public service, leadership, peace-building, and conflict resolution; and (4) U.S.-based activities (six-week Leadership Institutes and an annual summit) and Africa-based activities (alumni training, regional center programs, and networking, including with other U.S. initiatives such as YSEALI and YLAI) through public-private partnerships. The Secretary of State, in coordination with USAID and other agencies, must develop an implementation plan within 180 days of enactment.