On October 16, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda, prominent African leaders announced the establishment of the African School of Governance (ASG), a graduate institution aimed at offering world-class public policy education, research, and engagement programs. This initiative is a significant step towards transforming the leadership landscape in Africa by addressing the continent’s pressing governance challenges.
The ASG is founded by H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, in collaboration with other African leaders, academicians, and philanthropists. The school is supported by the Mastercard Foundation as part of its Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young Africans to access dignified and fulfilling work opportunities by 2030.
The ASG will be led by an esteemed independent governing board chaired by Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and includes notable figures such as Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank, and Professor Kingsley Moghalu, who has been appointed as the inaugural President of ASG. Professor Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, will be responsible for steering and shaping ASG’s academic vision.
The school will offer a range of academic programs, including the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA), as well as specialized Executive Courses and the Young Leaders Program (YLP) and Senior Leadership Fellowship (SLF). These programs are designed to meet the governance, leadership, and policy needs across Africa, ensuring leadership development at every stage.
The ASG aims to equip emerging leaders with the necessary mindsets, skills, and knowledge to tackle Africa’s greatest challenges and opportunities, combining Africa’s uniqueness with international best practices. This initiative is seen as a movement towards sustainable African leadership, addressing complex issues such as post-pandemic recovery and climate adaptation.
