African Leaders Launch ASG Initiative To Transform Leadership Across the Continent

The African School of Governance Foundation (ASGF) today unveiled the African School of Governance (ASG), a promising graduate institution set to deliver premier education, research, and engagement in public policy tailored for emerging leaders across the continent.

The initiative, supported by a coalition of prominent African figures, seeks to address the multifaceted governance challenges facing Africa by equipping future leaders with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to effect transformative change.
Addressing Africa’s Governance Challenges

Founded by Rwandan President H.E. Paul Kagame and former Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, the ASG aims to create a sustainable governance model that reflects the unique realities of the continent. The initiative has garnered backing from the Mastercard Foundation, under its Young Africa Works strategy, which aspires to provide 30 million young Africans, particularly women, with dignified employment opportunities by2030.

“We are at a critical juncture where Africa needs leaders who are not only knowledgeable but also deeply attuned to the continent’s challenges and aspirations,” said H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn.

The African School of Governance will be a beacon for developing purpose-driven leaders who can tackle pressing issues while incorporating global best practices.

Comprehensive Academic Programs and Research Initiatives

The ASG will offer an array of academic programs, including a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and an Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA), specifically designed for mid-career professionals and senior executives, respectively. It will also feature specialized Executive Courses aimed at honing particular leadership skills, a Young Leaders Program (YLP) for high-potential undergraduates, and a Senior Leadership Fellowship (SLF) for seasoned professionals nearing the culmination of their careers.

In addition to its educational offerings, ASG will introduce several research centers, such as the Centre for Home-Grown Innovations in Policy and Governance and the Centre for Technology and Effective Delivery. These hubs will focus on generating tailored, evidence-based solutions to Africa’s governance dilemmas, ensuring that research informs effective policymaking.

A Visionary Leadership Team

The inauguration of Professor Kingsley Moghalu as the inaugural President of ASG marks a significant step forward for the institution. Professor Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, is renowned for his extensive experience in public policy and academia, having taught at universities such as Harvard and Oxford. Under his leadership, ASG aims to develop a robust academic framework grounded in African contexts while enhancing global governance discourse.

Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Chair of ASG’s governing board, expressed enthusiasm for Moghalu’s appointment, stating, “His exceptional track record in policymaking and academia positions ASG as a transformative force in developing purpose-driven leaders for Africa’s future.”

Building Strategic Partnerships

Headquartered in Kigali, ASG aspires to be a Pan-African institution with a global outlook, promoting African voices in international governance discussions. It is poised to establish strong partnerships with other esteemed institutions, such as the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, further enhancing its commitment to world-class education.

The establishment of the African School of Governance marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of improved governance across Africa. With its collective vision and unwavering support from prominent leaders and institutions, ASG aims to cultivate the leaders necessary to navigate the complexities of the21st century, fostering sustainable development and good governance for Africa’s future.