In a transformative step for leadership on the continent, the African School of Governance Foundation (ASGF) has launched the African School of Governance (ASG), a groundbreaking graduate institution designed to address the pressing governance needs across Africa. The ASG will provide world-class education, research, and engagement programs aimed at nurturing purpose-driven African leaders.
The establishment of ASG is spearheaded by prominent African figures, including H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, in collaboration with other visionary leaders, philanthropists, and academics. The initiative aims to reshape Africa’s governance landscape by equipping current and future leaders with the tools needed for effective leadership and sustainable development.
ASG is a bold response to Africa’s unique governance challenges, focusing on solutions grounded in the continent’s realities. As African economies grow and take on a more prominent role globally, leadership needs to adapt to tackle issues ranging from post-pandemic recovery to climate change adaptation. The school’s founders envision it as a hub where governance and public policy education meet African innovation and expertise.
Co-founder H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn remarked, “The time is ripe for an institution rooted in Africa’s needs and aspirations. The African School of Governance will be a hub for nurturing leaders equipped to tackle the continent’s greatest challenges and opportunities.”
ASG is supported by the Mastercard Foundation through its Young Africa Works strategy, which seeks to create 30 million dignified work opportunities for young Africans by 2030. The institution is governed by a distinguished board, chaired by Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Board members include notable figures such as Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank, and Kishore Mahbubani, former Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
Professor Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a prominent figure in governance, will serve as ASG’s inaugural President. He emphasized the institution’s role in developing leadership capacity that will drive meaningful change across the continent. “I share this vision of a transformed Africa driven by competent leadership and governance, and I am honored to have been tasked with leading ASG’s critical contribution to making that vision a reality,” he said.
ASG will offer specialized programs to address the leadership deficit in Africa. These include the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA), tailored for mid-career and senior professionals, respectively. Additionally, the Young Leaders Program (YLP) and Senior Leadership Fellowship (SLF) will serve both emerging leaders and seasoned professionals nearing the end of their careers.
One of ASG’s distinguishing features is its focus on African historical, political, and socio-economic contexts, integrated into every aspect of the curriculum. By grounding education in African realities while drawing from global best practices, the institution aims to equip leaders with the ability to navigate complex governance challenges across the continent.
Beyond education, ASG will be at the forefront of innovative research on African governance challenges. Through dedicated research centers like the Centre for Home-Grown Innovations in Policy and Governance and the Centre for Trade and Regional Integration, ASG will contribute evidence-based solutions to help policymakers design effective strategies. The institution will also collaborate with governments, civil society, and the private sector to turn research into actionable policies.
Headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, ASG’s influence will extend beyond Africa, establishing partnerships with leading global institutions such as the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore. These strategic alliances will ensure that ASG graduates are not only equipped to lead within Africa but are also prepared to contribute to global governance discussions.
The African School of Governance represents a significant milestone in Africa’s leadership journey. With strong backing from African leaders and international partners, ASG is poised to develop the next generation of leaders who will steer the continent toward a more prosperous and sustainable future.