Mandela Impact Forum 2025 - Cape Town, South Africa

2 min read

The Mandela Impact Forum 2025 will take place from November 20-23, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together youth leaders from over 50 countries.

Mandela Impact Forum 2025 - Cape Town, South Africa
Photo by Gregory Fullard / Unsplash

The Mandela Impact Forum 2025 is a unique international gathering of young leaders, visionaries, and changemakers from more than 50 countries. Hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, the forum seeks to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela and inspire a new generation of leaders committed to justice, equality, and peace.

Organized by Ecovay, this four-day transformative experience combines leadership development, intercultural dialogue, historical reflection, and collaborative networking. Participants will walk in Mandela's footsteps and discover the resilience, courage, and values that shaped his life.

Program Highlights

Participants will experience a rich and diverse program including:

  • Leadership Workshops led by international mentors and experts.
  • Panel Discussions with human rights activists, youth leaders, and educators.
  • Networking Sessions to connect with delegates from over 50 countries.
  • Cultural Night celebrating diversity through performances, music, and cuisine.
  • Site Visits to key historical landmarks in Cape Town.
  • Interactive Activities such as innovation challenges and global citizenship exercises.
  • Mandela Legacy Tour including Robben Island, where Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Participation Categories

There are multiple ways to participate depending on your funding preference:

Fully Funded (20 Seats) - $11.99 Application Fee

Includes airfare, accommodation, meals, local transport, event access, Mandela Legacy Tour, official merchandise, delegate kit, certificate of participation, visa support, and speaking opportunities.

Partially Funded (30 Seats) - $11.99 Application Fee

Includes accommodation, meals, local transport, event access, Mandela Legacy Tour, official merchandise, delegate kit, certificate, visa support, and speaking opportunities. Airfare not included.

Forum Access (50 Seats) - $149

Includes event access, meals, Mandela Legacy Tour, merchandise, delegate kit, certificate, visa support, and speaking opportunities. Travel and accommodation not included.

Self-Funded (50 Seats) - $449

Includes accommodation, meals, local transport, event access, Mandela Legacy Tour, merchandise, delegate kit, certificate, visa support, and speaking opportunities. Airfare not included.

Application Process

  1. Visit www.ecovay.org or the official application portal.
  2. Choose your preferred category.
  3. Complete and submit the application form.
  4. Pay the non-refundable application fee.
  5. Await the selection results.

Selection Process

  • Deadline: September 20, 2025
  • All applications will be reviewed after the deadline.
  • Evaluation criteria: motivation, leadership potential, community impact, and quality of application responses.
  • Selected participants will be notified by email within 2 weeks and announced on Ecovay's social media in late September 2025.

Who Can Apply?

  • Students, professionals, NGO workers, and changemakers from all backgrounds.
  • Age 16-50 years, open to all nationalities.
  • Passionate about leadership, peacebuilding, and social justice.
  • Willing to engage in intercultural dialogue and community impact.
  • Proficiency in English required (the event will be conducted in English).

Why Attend?

  • Walk in Mandela's footsteps and experience his legacy firsthand.
  • Develop leadership skills through workshops and mentoring.
  • Expand your global network with changemakers from 50+ countries.
  • Join Ecovay's global community of young leaders and innovators.
  • Discover South African culture through immersive activities and tours.
  • Receive an official certificate of participation recognizing your involvement.

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: September 20, 2025
  • Selection Results: Last week of September 2025
  • Event Dates: November 20-23, 2025