Young people selected to take part in the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship have been reminded that the opportunity they received did not come by chance, but rather as a result of the important roles they play in positively impacting their communities.
This was emphasized by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Said Shaib Mussa, while giving farewell remarks to the 26 participants in Dodoma on May 30, 2025.
Ambassador Mussa urged the fellows to take full advantage of the opportunity to learn new things, as the country they are going to the United States is advanced economically and technologically.
He added that the program will also provide them with the chance to meet people from various countries and cultures.
The youth, who are expected to travel to the U.S. in June and return in August 2025, were also encouraged to promote Tanzania during their stay.
"You will represent our country by respecting the laws of your host nation, showcasing Tanzania’s rich culture, and eloquently sharing the country's great features such as Mount Kilimanjaro, wildlife parks, lakes, rivers, and infrastructure development," said Ambassador Mussa.
He also noted that their participation in the program reflects the strong diplomatic relationship between Tanzania and the United States, which has existed since it was established in 1961.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship program was launched in 2014, and to date, over 6,500 young Africans have benefited from it.
The initiative aims to empower youth with leadership skills, knowledge, and strategies to drive positive economic, political, and social change across Africa.
