A Democratic bill with 4 Republican cosponsors · See all 21 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 39 - 6.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) to build the capacity of young leaders and entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative is carried out by the Secretary of State and focuses on areas such as business, civic engagement, and public administration. It includes support for the Mandela Washington Fellowship and the creation of regional leadership centers. The program aims to strengthen economic growth, peace, and security across the continent. Additionally, it encourages connections between African leaders and United States public and private resources. The Act includes specific requirements for implementation plans and annual reporting to Congress.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +8
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets and provides training for individuals between ages 18 and 35.
- Scored +7
Does this send more money or help to other countries?
The bill establishes a significant new program to build capacity among young African leaders.
- Scored +6
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The program aims to strengthen ties between the United States and African nations through leadership and business connections.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Professional Development for Young Leaders: The bill seeks to provide training and networking in critical areas like leadership, innovation, human rights, and entrepreneurs (Section 3(b)(1)).
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Economic Support and Resilience: The program aims to provide economic and technical assistance to help young leaders promote economic growth and build resilience against predatory lending practices (Section 3(b)(2)).
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Improved Governance and Economic Skills: It provides training in key economic areas such as budget management, oversight, anti-corruption, and contract negotiations (Section 3(b)(2)).
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Educational Opportunities via Fellowships: The bill supports the Mandela Washington Fellowship, allowing eligible African leaders between ages 25 and 35 to participate in leadership institutes at United States educational institutions (Section 3(c)(1) and 3(f)(1)(A)).
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Expanded Access to Training through Regional Centers: The establishment of at least 4 regional leadership centers in sub-Saharan Africa will offer in-person and online training for leaders between ages 18 and 35 (Section 3(e)(1)).
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Collaboration Opportunities for U.S. Citizens: United States citizens may engage in reciprocal exchanges and collaborate on projects with fellowship alumni (Section 3(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Limited Duration of Program: The initiative is subject to a sunset provision, meaning the program will cease to have effect 5 years after the date of enactment (Section 3(j)).
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Age Restrictions for Participation: The Mandela Washington Fellowship is restricted to individuals between the ages of 25 and 35 (Section 3(c)(1)(A)), while the regional leadership centers cater to those between 18 and 35 (Section 3(e)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The bill establishes a significant new program to build capacity among young African leaders. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The program aims to strengthen ties between the United States and African nations through leadership and business connections. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — It enhances US outreach and public diplomacy efforts on the African continent. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — The act seeks to strengthen ties between United States and African businesses.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets and provides training for individuals between ages 18 and 35. Would students be better off under this? — The bill provides significant educational exchange and professional development opportunities. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill supports entrepreneurship and provides capacity building for business leaders.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill aims to promote economic growth through increased technical assistance and strengthening ties between US and African businesses. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill supports entrepreneurship and provides training in business and economic areas to young leaders.
- 5/13/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 39 - 6.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/3/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/25/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/15/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/10/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 15 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Joyce BeattyDemocrat · Ohio
Ami BeraDemocrat · California
Steve CohenDemocrat · Tennessee
Joaquin CastroDemocrat · Texas
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormickDemocrat · Florida
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Valerie FousheeDemocrat · North Carolina
Sara JacobsDemocrat · California
William KeatingDemocrat · Massachusetts
Young KimRepublican · California
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Michael McCaulRepublican · Texas
Gwen MooreDemocrat · Wisconsin
Grace MengDemocrat · New York
Seth MagazinerDemocrat · Rhode Island
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Ilhan OmarDemocrat · Minnesota
Janice SchakowskyDemocrat · Illinois
Terri SewellDemocrat · Alabama
Dina TitusDemocrat · Nevada
Nikema WilliamsDemocrat · Georgia