S.Amdt. 6522

This amendment aims to add a new section to bill S. 4784 called the Young African Leaders Initiative Act of 2026 (or YALI Act of 2026). Its purpose is to establish the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) to be carried out by the Secretary of State.

The amendment seeks to add the following to the bill:

• Purpose and Goals: The initiative aims to build the capacity of young leaders in sub-Saharan Africa in public administration, civic engagement, and business. It focuses on providing professional development, training, and economic and technical assistance to promote growth, strengthen business ties with the United States, and improve governance.

• Fellowships and Exchanges: It establishes support for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for leaders aged 25 to 35. It also allows United States citizens to collaborate on projects and engage in reciprocal exchanges with fellowship alumni.

• Program Activities: The Secretary of State will oversee activities including a 6-week Leadership Institute at U.S. educational institutions and an annual Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit. The program will also seek public-private partnerships to leverage expertise and funding.

• Accountability and Oversight: The Secretary of State must submit an implementation plan within 180 days and provide annual public reports for four years on the program's progress and its impact on United States-Africa relations.

• Duration: This section of the bill will expire 5 years after it is enacted.