The first Mandela Washington Fellowship Conference was held in Accra recently and the event brought together a great number of young leaders from 21 West African countries. The conference was organised to bring together the young leaders of YALI (Young African Leaders Intiative) to enable them to share their expertise and engage on issues which they have defined as critical for the future of Africa. 

The first day's session, saw prominent leaders such as U.S Ambassador to Ghana, Gene A. Cretz, Deputy Minister of Education Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Patrick Awuah Jr, Founder of Ashesi University, Ghana.

The MasterCard Foundation today announced a $10million commitment and support towards The Obama administration's initiative Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). YALI was birthed in 2010 to support young African leaders as they work hard to spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa. This commitment is being made over the next 5 years to help YALI reach nearly 10,000 young men and women in Africa. Exciting news!