Call for Applications: MINDS Diamond Empowerment Fund Scholarship

The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) has partnered with the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) to establish the first in a series of Diamond Empowerment Fund Scholarships. The Fund was inspired by Nelson Mandela who encouraged DEF’s co-founders to tell the world the positive impact Africa’s diamonds were having in building healthy and educated communities on the continent.

MINDS’ unique approach develops Pan-African leaders who have a lived understanding and experience on the continent and who, in turn, can facilitate regional economic integration and social cohesion.  DEF is interested in contributing to creating a pool of young leaders committed to playing a critical role in achieving a more integrated African economy.

“The Diamond Empowerment Fund Scholarshipwill contribute to creating a labour force with specialist skills required for the 21^stcentury, through the continent’s higher education system, which meets the continent’s socio-economic needs,” says MINDS Executive Chair and Founding Trustee, Mrs Graça Machel.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with MINDS and to continue the legacy of giving back to the very communities where diamonds are found”, says DEF President Anna Martin.

The MINDS Diamond Empowerment Fund Scholarship will be earmarked for students from a diamond producing country whose chosen post-graduate study will be in a field that meets the needs for improving the quality of life for Africans. Preference will be given to students who want to gain critical skills in short supply on the continent, e.g. in STEM areas like biotechnology, robotics, aerospace, nanotechnology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, ICT law, mining taxation, agriculture technology, etc.

Applications are invited from qualifying students in eligible countries, namely Angola, Botswana, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Liberia, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Applications are to be submitted through the following link: https://minds-africa.org/scholarship-program-for-leadership-development/