• By Hilja Shikongo

Sixteen young Namibian leaders are preparing to embark on a life-changing journey to the United States (U.S.), as part of the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF).  The initiative, is one of the U.S. embassy’s flagship exchange programes aimed at empowering youth and professionals with skills to lead positive change in their communities.

It forms part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), and is fully funded by the U.S. government. It focuses on three tracks which are public management, business leadership, and civic engagement. Speaking at the official send-off ceremony this week, John Hausiku, exchanges and educational outreach coordinator at the U.S. embassy in Namibia, said the program is designed to empower young leaders and equip them with skills to solve local challenges. 

“We received around 900 applications, but only 16 were selected,” Hausiku noted. He emphasized that the selection was based purely on leadership potential and community impact, not qualifications or background. “These programs are investments in Namibia’s future leadership. 

The program is also an opportunity for cultural exchange and learning,” Hausiku explained. 
“It is not just about the leadership training.  It is about interacting with peers from across the continent, learning new cultures and returning with ideas that can uplift local communities.”

Junias David, who is one of the beneficiaries, said: “I am excited, curious and hopeful. I am eager to meet people from other countries, learn from them, and represent Namibia in the best way I can.” National Youth Council (NYC) director, Chalista Schwartz-Gowases, urged the fellows to represent Namibia with pride. 

“You leave Namibia not just with a boarding pass and a suitcase, but with something much more powerful, the collective hopes and ambitions of the youth of this country,” Schwartz-Gowases said.  Schwartz-Gowases reminded the fellows that the program is not just about individual growth but about bringing back solutions to address challenges in their respective communities. 

“We are counting on you to make a measurable and sustainable impact through civic engagement, advocacy and participation in policy reform,” she added. Before departure, NYC also provided each participant with a pocket allowance of US$150 (N$2 691), to cover essential needs while abroad.