YALI Act of 2026

Sponsor: Chris Van Hollen (Democratic-MD)

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 324.

Creates a formal U.S. program to train young African leaders and boost partnerships with American citizens.

This bill would formally establish the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) as a U.S. government program. It would offer training and networking to young African leaders in business, civic engagement, and public administration. It would also allow American citizens to collaborate with program alumni, strengthening ties between the U.S. and Africa.

What Would Change

Today, the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) exists but is not formally written into law. This bill would formally establish YALI as a U.S. government program under the Secretary of State. It would define its purpose, specific fellowship and activity components, and require implementation plans and annual reports for a 5-year period before the program sunsets.

Key Provisions

Formally establishes the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) as a U.S. government program.
Provides professional development, training, and networking for young African leaders in sub-Saharan Africa.
Supports the Mandela Washington Fellowship, bringing African leaders aged 25 to 35 to the U.S. for a 6-week Leadership Institute and an annual summit.
Lets U.S. citizens engage in exchanges and collaborate on projects with Mandela Washington Fellowship alumni.
Requires the Secretary of State to partner with the private sector for funding and job opportunities within YALI.
Requires the Secretary of State to submit an implementation plan within 180 days and annual reports for five years.

View on Congress.gov

S 2236 · 119th Congress · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 3/10

YALI Act of 2026

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity