A new program by the Obama administration seeks to discover new young leaders across the continent of Africa, and train them to become more empowered to deliver a new leadership experience.

The program will bring 500 young leaders from Africa (50 from Nigeria) to the United States next June for six weeks of executive training in one of three areas—civil society development, public administration/management, or entrepreneurship.  The training will be followed by a summit meeting with President Obama and then internships in the United States and Africa for YALI fellows, which would last six to eight weeks.

The application process, from December 5, 2013-January 27, 2014, is self-nominating: throughout Africa, individuals are able to access a website (accessible through www.youngafricanleaders.state.gov) to fill out an application.