The African School of Governance Foundation (ASGF) on Monday announced the official opening of the African School of Governance (ASG), a graduate institution offering world-class education in public policy, aimed at transforming leadership across the continent.
This landmark initiative has garnered the support and collaboration of prominent African leaders, including Rwanda’s President H.E. Paul Kagame and former Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, both co-founders of ASG.
Their joint vision seeks to address the pressing governance challenges facing Africa by equipping emerging leaders with the necessary skills, mindsets, and knowledge for effective leadership.
ASG is strategically designed to cater to the diverse needs of leaders across Africa, aiming to foster a governance model that is sustainable and deeply rooted in African realities.
Supported by the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which targets the empowerment of 30 million young Africans by 2030, this initiative seeks to ensure that 70 percent of those benefitting are women, thus promoting gender inclusivity in leadership.
At the helm of ASG will be Professor Kingsley Moghalu, a distinguished scholar and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who will serve as the institution’s inaugural President. Moghalu brings a wealth of experience from his extensive career in public policy and academia, having held senior positions in the United Nations as well as being a thought leader in global governance discussions.
Under his leadership, ASG aims to develop tailored academic programs, such as the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) degrees, to meet the specific governance and leadership deficits identified across the African continent.
The ASG curriculum will integrate African historical, political, and socio-economic contexts, enabling students to understand and navigate the continent’s complex governance challenges while incorporating global best practices.
In addition to academic offerings, ASG will establish dedicated research centres focusing on areas such as home-grown innovations in policy and governance, trade and regional integration, and technology effective delivery.
H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn emphasized the timeliness of this initiative, stating, “The African School of Governance will not just be an educational institution but a movement dedicated to nurturing purpose-driven leaders who are equipped to tackle the continent’s challenges.”
With a robust governance structure chaired by Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation, ASG is positioned to become a leading institution for developing the next generation of African leaders.
Through collaborations with governments, civil society, and private-sector stakeholders, ASG is committed to actively engaging in policy solutions that enhance good governance and sustainable development.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in Africa’s governance journey, heralding the emergence of a new cadre of leaders prepared to drive the continent’s progress in the 21st century.