YALI Act of 2026

The YALI Act of 2026 formalizes and expands the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), directly affecting young African leaders aged 18-35 in sub-Saharan Africa who demonstrate leadership potential in business, civic engagement, or public administration. Key provisions include increasing Mandela Washington Fellowship participation beyond 700 annual fellows, establishing four regional leadership centers for in-person and online training, and creating an online network connecting participants with U.S. and African leaders. The bill mandates annual reporting to Congress on program progress, impacts on U.S.-Africa relations, and includes a 5-year sunset provision. It focuses on developing skills in governance, entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, and economic resilience through U.S.-Africa partnerships.