By Chukwuma Umeorah
The African School of Governance (ASG) is set to cultivate transformative leaders and improve governance practices in Africa by equipping the continent’s next generation of leaders with the skills and values needed to address complex governance challenges.
Officially launched on January 14 in Kigali, Rwanda, the institution co-founded by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia, aims to produce 1,000 graduates within five years, empowering them to lead transformative change across all sectors to advance Africa’s sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the grand launch, Desalegn described ASG as a groundbreaking initiative that embodied Africa’s commitment to fostering leadership excellence.
“The launch of the African School of Governance and the opening of recruitment for its inaugural cohort mark a defining moment in Africa’s commitment to leadership excellence. By cultivating a new generation of leaders and policy research innovators across all sectors, ASG is creating a foundation for transformative governance that is ethical, innovative, and rooted in Africa’s realities. This pioneering institution will play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s future by empowering individuals to drive systemic development and lasting change,” he said.
The grand launch brought together policymakers, academics, and other distinguished stakeholders from across the continent to explore the role of public policy education in Africa’s growth and development. Panelists included Dr. Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB); Professor Kingsley Moghalu, President of ASG; Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA); Professor Hajer Gueldich, legal counsel of the African Union and Dr. Acha Leke, chairman of McKinsey Africa, among others.
Professor Kingsley Moghalu, addressing attendees, emphasised ASG’s mission to create a transformative learning environment for African leaders. “The Grand Launch and the opening of student recruitment for our inaugural cohort are not just milestones but a call to action for all who share in the belief of Africa’s boundless potential,” he said.
According to him, ASG’s first student recruitment drive, beginning February 1, 2025, targets a diverse group of talented individuals, including those from underrepresented communities. “The school aims to enroll over 100 students in its first year across two flagship programs: the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA). These programs are designed to integrate global academic standards with African insights and case studies, equipping students with culturally relevant tools to confront governance challenges and drive meaningful policy reforms.”
Moghalu announced that applications for ASG’s inaugural cohort were open to all eligible candidates across the continent, with more information available on the school’s official website.
“With its unique blend of academic rigor, cultural relevance, and focus on actionable solutions, ASG is poised to inspire a new generation of leaders ready to steer Africa toward a future defined by governance excellence and sustainable growth.”
The Mastercard Foundation has partnered with ASG, aligning the school’s mission with its Young Africa Works Strategy. Dr. Peter Materu, speaking on behalf of the foundation, noted, “ASG is embedded in the Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Works Strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young Africans to access dignified work by 2030, 70 per cent of whom are women.”
ASG’s curriculum emphasizes practical applications, aiming to produce leaders who are both innovative and ethical. In addition to academic excellence, the institution plans to create a collaborative ecosystem that bridges academia, public policy, and private sector engagement to drive evidence-based solutions for Africa’s governance challenges. Students will also have the opportunity to gain proficiency in an additional African Union language, further enhancing their capacity to navigate the continent’s diverse landscape.
With a vision to influence governance broadly, the founders stress that ASG aspires to become a hub for policy research and development. “The institution seeks to foster partnerships with governments, private sector organizations, and academic institutions to address pressing governance issues. It is a movement to redefine leadership across the continent. By embedding Africa’s realities
into its curriculum and fostering collaboration across diverse sectors, ASG is paving the way for systemic, sustainable change,” they affirmed.