The African School of Governance Foundation (ASGF) has launched the African School of Governance (ASG), a graduate institution aimed at shaping the future of leadership and governance across the African continent. With its focus on providing high-quality research, engagement, and public policy education, ASG is set to become a critical player in addressing the governance challenges that Africa faces today. Spearheaded by prominent African leaders, academicians, and supported by philanthropic organizations, the school is poised to have a lasting impact on governance, sustainable development, and leadership capacity building across the region.
The inception of ASG comes at a time when Africa is undergoing significant economic, social, and political transformations, requiring a new breed of leaders capable of navigating the complexities of modern governance. The school’s establishment reflects a collective vision for a future where Africa’s leaders are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to drive sustainable progress on the continent.
A Collective Leadership Vision
The African School of Governance was co-founded by H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia. Both leaders are renowned for their transformative leadership within their respective countries, and their vision for ASG stems from a shared desire to promote effective governance across Africa. The school will address critical gaps in leadership and public policy education, providing up-and-coming leaders with the necessary tools to foster inclusive and sustainable governance.
The vision of ASG is underpinned by the idea that Africa’s governance challenges require African-led solutions. This is why ASG aims to promote an education model deeply rooted in Africa’s historical, political, and socioeconomic realities, while simultaneously drawing on global best practices. The school’s curriculum is designed to address the continent’s unique challenges, such as post-pandemic recovery, climate adaptation, and regional integration, among others.
Founders and Partners Driving Change
In addition to its co-founders, the African School of Governance is supported by key players in the African governance and development space. One of the school’s major backers is the Mastercard Foundation, which has committed to supporting ASG through its Young Africa Works strategy. This initiative aims to create dignified employment opportunities for 30 million young Africans, with a particular focus on women. Through this partnership, ASG will contribute to developing leaders who are not only prepared for governance roles but are also equipped to tackle pressing socio-economic issues facing African youth.
ASG’s governance structure is another testament to its commitment to excellence. The school is led by an esteemed Governing Board chaired by Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and former Minister of Finance and Economy of Senegal. Other notable members include Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank; Hajer Gueldich, a professor at the University of Carthage; Kishore Mahbubani, former Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore; and Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board. This diverse and experienced leadership team is united by a shared vision of transforming Africa’s leadership landscape.
The Appointment of Professor Kingsley Moghalu as ASG President
At the helm of this transformative initiative is Professor Kingsley Moghalu, who has been named the inaugural President of ASG. A distinguished scholar and academic with extensive experience in public policy and administration, Professor Moghalu’s appointment brings both credibility and a wealth of expertise to the school. His background includes serving as the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and holding high-level roles in the United Nations. He has also taught at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, and Tufts University’s The Fletcher School.
Moghalu’s leadership will be pivotal in guiding ASG’s academic vision and ensuring that the school delivers programs that are both relevant and impactful in the African context. Under his leadership, ASG is expected to recruit top-tier African faculty and foster academic excellence, positioning the school as a hub for intellectual and policy innovation. “The establishment of ASG is a powerful expression of a clear vision on the part of the founding leaders,” Prof. Moghalu remarked upon his appointment. “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.”
A Broad Curriculum Addressing Africa’s Leadership Gaps
ASG will offer a comprehensive range of academic programs aimed at filling gaps in governance, leadership, and public policy across Africa. The core programs include the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) for senior executives and the Master of Public Administration (MPA) for mid-career professionals. These programs are designed to equip leaders with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to navigate complex governance issues.
Additionally, ASG will provide customized executive courses aimed at developing specific leadership capabilities in professionals. These programs will be tailored to the needs of different sectors, ensuring that professionals in various fields can benefit from the school’s offerings.
To foster leadership development at all levels, ASG will also run the Young Leaders Program (YLP) for high-potential undergraduates and the Senior Leadership Fellowship (SLF) for seasoned professionals approaching the end of their careers. Through these programs, ASG will cultivate leaders who are prepared to address the intricate governance challenges that the continent faces while drawing on global best practices.
A Pan-African Initiative with Global Reach
ASG’s ambition extends beyond education; it aims to be a catalyst for governance transformation across the continent. Its research centers will play a crucial role in shaping public policy and governance solutions specific to Africa’s needs. These include the African History and Leadership Center, the Trade and Regional Integration Center, the Center for Technology and Effective Delivery, and the Home-Grown Innovations in Policy and Governance Center. Through these specialized research hubs, ASG will contribute evidence-based solutions to the continent’s most pressing governance issues.
The school’s commitment to policy engagement is equally robust. Through policy laboratories, incubators, and collaborations with governments, civil society, and the corporate sector, ASG aims to translate its research findings into practical policy solutions that advance sustainable development and good governance.
ASG’s global partnerships further highlight its ambition to become a Pan-African institution with worldwide influence. Its affiliation with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore underscores its commitment to integrating global knowledge into its programs while ensuring that its curriculum remains grounded in African realities. By fostering cross-border leadership capabilities, ASG aims to ensure that African voices are not only heard but also lead in global governance discussions.
Conclusion: Building a New Generation of Leaders
The African School of Governance represents a significant milestone in the evolution of governance in Africa. Through its academic programs, research initiatives, and policy engagements, ASG is set to produce a new generation of leaders who are equipped to tackle the continent’s complex challenges while harnessing its vast opportunities. With the backing of visionary founders, esteemed governing board members, and global partners, ASG is well-positioned to become a transformative force in Africa’s leadership landscape.
This institution is not merely about education; it is a movement toward sustainable African leadership, grounded in African realities and poised to influence governance on the global stage. As Professor Kingsley Moghalu takes on the mantle of leadership, the future of African governance looks brighter, with ASG serving as the incubator for the continent’s next generation of purpose-driven leaders.
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