University of Mississippi and Jackson State University Partner to Bring Young African Business Leaders to Mississippi

Mississippi Universities Join Hands for Mandela Washington Fellowship

The University of Mississippi and Jackson State University have teamed up for the second straight summer to welcome international leaders via the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Over July 7-8, both universities hosted a selection of promising African leaders for two days of intensive learning and cultural exchanges.

Provost Endorsed the Program

“We benefit from sharing ideas and perspectives from people who come from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds,” said Provost Noel Wilkin during his meeting with the fellows. “This opportunity to exchange ideas with business leaders in Africa is extraordinary. It is my hope that they will benefit from this visit as much as we will.”

About the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is aimed at young African leaders aged between 25 and 35. These fellows are noted innovators and leaders in their communities hailing from 23 different African nations. During their visit to both the campuses, they attended sessions held by various institutes and associations, including the Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence and the African-Caribbean Student Association.

Key Takeaways From the Visit

While their visit mainly involved networking with university and community leaders, the fellows also took a tour of the Center for Manufacturing Excellence, gaining insights into technology commercialization and business management.

For Chazz Ndaba, an engineer from Johannesburg, South Africa, this tour served as an eye-opener because of the groundbreaking technology implemented at the center. Fellow attendee Cesaltina Adriano from Angola was inspired by Oxford’s emphasis on community building, while Nahuja Hatibu from Tanzania found motivation in witnessing women in leadership roles at both participating universities.

Jackson State University’s Proud Association With the Mandela Washington Fellowship

Saundra McFarland, co-administrative director of the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship Leadership in Business Institute and an associate professor of business law at JSU expressed her pride in collaborating with the fellowship. She hoped that the fellows’ experiences at the University of Mississippi and JSU would lead to them making meaningful contributions to their home communities once they return.

The alliance between JSU and UM began in 2020 and has lasted till this day. It’s one of the fruitful outcomes of Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum planning team which both McFarland and J.R. Love, assistant director of economic development and Insight Park, were part of.

The Mandela Fellowship Legacy

In its 10 years history, the Mandela Fellowship has provided nearly 6,500 young leaders from every nation in Sub-Saharan Africa the opportunity to experience academic and leadership training in the United States.