Transforming Governance, Inspiring Change; a Movement to Redefine Leadership in Africa – Africa.com
African School of Governance (ASG) (https://ASG.ac/) was officially launched in Kigali, Rwanda, on January 14, 2025, and began recruiting the 2025/2026 inaugural team. The grand launch ceremony brought together distinguished leaders, policymakers, academics and stakeholders from Africa and beyond to celebrate the launch of ASG as a groundbreaking governance school founded by Rwanda’s President Paul Kaga Co-founded by Her Majesty May and Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
ASG is a unique and transformative institution dedicated to developing a generation of purpose-driven ethical leaders who possess the skills and mindset to tackle challenges and drive socio-economic transformation on the continent. The School’s mission is to develop leaders who advance sustainable development in Africa by providing innovative public policy education, cutting-edge research and a policy engagement platform to promote transformative governance focused on the continent’s unique values and opportunities.
Speaking at this landmark event, His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn said, “The establishment of the African Institute of Governance and the opening of recruitment for the inaugural training class of the African Institute of National Governance mark a defining moment in Africa’s commitment to leadership excellence . By developing a new generation of leaders and policy research innovators across sectors, ASG is laying the foundation for transformative governance that is ethical, innovative and rooted in African realities. This pioneering institution will drive systemic development and lasting change by empowering individuals. capabilities to play a key role in shaping the future of the African continent.”
The event featured a high-level panel discussion on the role of public policy education in Africa’s growth and transformation, drawing on a wealth of experience from academia, international organizations, governments and the private sector. Discussants on the high-level panel included His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Professor Kingsley Moghalu, President of the ASG. Other members include Dr Agnes Kalibata, Chairman of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Professor Hajer Gueldich, Legal Advisor to the African Union, and Dr Acha Leke, Senior Partner and Chairman of McKinsey Africa.
Dr. Peter Materu, who spoke on behalf of the Mastercard Foundation, said that ASG is integrated into the Mastercard Foundation’s youth Africa work strategy, which aims to empower 30 million young Africans, 70% of whom are women, to achieve dignity and achievement through Sense of job opportunities: 2030.
An important aspect of the launch is the launch of ASG’s first-ever admissions campaign, designed to attract diverse talent from across the continent, including underrepresented communities, with the goal of recruiting more than 100 recent undergraduates and professionals from a variety of public sectors The first year of the Master of Management (MPA) and Executive Master of Management (EMPA) programmes. Prospective students will be attracted to ASG’s unique curriculum, which blends global academic standards with African insights and case studies. ASG is committed to empowering students with the skills, knowledge and values needed to address Africa’s complex governance challenges and create lasting change. By emphasizing practical, real-world application, ASG seeks to develop purpose-driven leaders with the right mindset who can innovate, drive policy change, lay the foundation for transformative governance and shape sustainable development in Africa.
ASG’s vision is not only to provide world-class education but also to actively contribute to the transformation of public policy and governance practices across Africa. The institution aims to be a hub for research and policy development, promoting partnerships with governments, the private sector and academic institutions on the African continent and beyond.
ASG expects to produce 2,000 graduates within the first five years, who will be equipped to assume leadership positions in various sectors and contribute to the achievement of Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Professor Kingsley Moghalu, President of ASG, said: “The grand launch and enrollment of our first class of students is not only a milestone but also a rallying call to all who believe in Africa’s unlimited potential.”
ASG’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity extends to its exceptional learning environment, where students will be exposed to diverse perspectives and gain proficiency in another African Union language. The institution also aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem that builds bridges between academia, public policy and private sector engagement to drive evidence-based policy solutions and initiatives for Africa’s future.
Applications for the first batch of ASG students will be opened on the 1stYingshi February 2025. Prospective students and stakeholders are invited to visit ASG’s official website to learn more: https://ASG.ac/
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the African Academy of Management.
For media inquiries or further information please contact:
Nairobi:
Beverly Amira
e-mail: BAmira@webershandwick.com
Kigali:
john paul we’re done
African Governance Academy Foundation (ASGF)
e-mail: jsesonga@asg-foundation.org
Phone: +250 788 380 012, or +250 788 614 698
African School Governance (ASG)
PO Box 6239, Kigali, Rwanda
KG 220 St, Jizhouzhou, Gasabo District
Phone: +250 794 411 992
e-mail: info@asg.ac
About the African School of Governance (ASG):
ASG is a pioneering postgraduate institution dedicated to transforming leadership and governance in Africa. Through its pillars of education, research, and public policy, ASG helps leaders address Africa’s challenges through innovative, culturally relevant, evidence-based solutions. The institution is expected to be a catalyst for positive change, developing ethical leaders to lead Africa towards sustainable development and excellence in governance.