Reciprocal Exchange Program 2026

The Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange Program 2026 is now open for applications. This funded opportunity will give a unique platform for U.S. professionals and Fellowship Alumni from Sub-Saharan Africa to collaborate on impactful projects. With funding of up to $5,000 per participant, the program strengthens U.S.–Africa partnerships while fostering professional growth, cultural exchange, and long-lasting networks.

Reciprocal Exchange Program 2026 Overview

Category	Details
Name of Program	Reciprocal Exchange Program 2026
Offering Institution	Mandela Washington Fellowship (U.S. Department of State in collaboration with IREX)
Available Programs & Fields	Collaborative short-term projects in areas such as trade, entrepreneurship, social innovation, education, technology, and community development
Language of Instruction	English
Duration	Short-term projects (up to 4 weeks) during grant period (Feb 1 – Jun 30, 2026)
Deadline	September 19, 2025
Number of Positions	Multiple projects funded; up to 4 U.S. participants per project
Location	Sub-Saharan Africa (with hybrid/virtual options)
Funding	• Up to $3,000 per hybrid project • Up to $5,000 per U.S. participant for in-person projects (maximum $20,000 for 4 participants)
Additional Support	Visa procurement (via IREX vendor except Nigeria), partial logistical support

Key Benefits of the Reciprocal Exchange Program

• Funding Support: Up to $5,000 per U.S. participant or $3,000 for hybrid projects.
• Professional Growth: Expand networks in the U.S. and Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Knowledge Exchange: Share expertise and learn from Fellowship Alumni.
• Community Impact: Projects must directly benefit local communities in Africa.
• Visa Support: Visa service costs are covered (with exceptions for Nigeria).
• Cross-Cultural Partnerships: Build lasting collaborations across borders.

Eligibility Criteria

For U.S. Professionals

• Must be U.S. citizens currently living in the U.S.
• Cannot be employees or immediate family of U.S. Government staff.
• Eligible for a maximum of two in-person projects.

For Fellowship Alumni

• You have to be an alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, that too in good standing.
• You must be living in the project country and be present during implementation.
• Cannot be employees or immediate family of U.S. Government staff.

General Notes

• Alumni and U.S. professionals must co-develop and submit all application materials.
• Projects can be in-person, hybrid, or virtual, but must last no longer than four weeks.

Application Process

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official announcement page here.
2. Access the application form directly here.
3. Prepare the required documents:
   • Completed Application Form
   • Work Plan (project outline)
   • Budget Form (costs in USD)
   • Professional Resumes
4. Submit your completed application by September 19, 2025.
5. Wait for the results — You’ll get the notification in December 2025.
6. If selected, implement your project between Feb 1 – Jun 30, 2026.

Comparison with Similar Opportunities

Program	Region	Funding	Duration	Focus
Reciprocal Exchange Program (Mandela Washington Fellowship)	Sub-Saharan Africa	$3,000 – $20,000	2–4 weeks	U.S.–Africa professional collaboration
Fulbright Specialist Program	Global	Travel + living expenses	2–6 weeks	Academic and professional exchanges
Atlas Corps Fellowship	U.S. & Global	Stipend + living allowance	12–18 months	Nonprofit leadership and capacity building
IREX Community Engagement Exchange (CEE)	Global	Fully funded	3 months	Civic engagement & community leadership

FAQs About Reciprocal Exchange Program 2026

1. Who can apply for the Reciprocal Exchange Program?
   This program is specifically designed for U.S. professionals and Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni only.
2. What is the maximum funding available?
   Up to $5,000 per U.S. participant (maximum $20,000 per project).
3. Can Alumni outside Africa apply?
   No, Alumni must live in the proposed project country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
4. Are hybrid projects eligible?
   Yes, hybrid projects can receive up to $3,000.
5. What is the project duration?
   Projects can last a maximum of 4 weeks.
6. Is there visa support?
   Yes, IREX covers visa fees, except for Nigeria (self-arranged).
7. Can I apply if I have already done two projects?
   Yes, but only hybrid projects are allowed after two in-person projects.
8. When will results be announced?
   December 2025.
9. What is the grant period?
   February 1 – June 30, 2026.
10. What kind of projects are encouraged?
    Projects that build skills, expand professional networks, and directly benefit local communities.

If you’re a U.S. professional or a Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumnus passionate about creating meaningful impact in Africa, this is your chance. Apply before September 19, 2025, and take your career and community engagement to the next level. APPLY NOW. For full details, visit the official announcement here.

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