The African School of Governance (ASG), a transformative institution committed to redefining leadership and governance in Africa, officially launched on January 14, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda. With the opening of recruitment for its inaugural cohort for the 2025/2026 academic year, ASG aims to empower the next generation of African leaders and innovators across sectors, fostering a brighter, more sustainable future for the continent.
The landmark launch event brought together distinguished leaders, policymakers, academics, and stakeholders from Africa and beyond to celebrate the establishment of ASG as a pioneering school of governance. Co-founded by H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, the institution is set to play a critical role in shaping the future of governance in Africa.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn remarked: “The launch of the African School of Governance and the opening of recruitment for its inaugural cohort mark a defining moment in Africa’s commitment to leadership excellence. By cultivating a new generation of leaders and policy research innovators across all sectors, ASG is creating a foundation for transformative governance that is ethical, innovative, and rooted in Africa’s realities. This pioneering institution will play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s future by empowering individuals to drive systemic development and lasting change.”
High-Level Discussions on Public Policy Education in Africa
The event featured a high-level panel discussion on the role of public policy education in Africa’s growth and transformation. Panelists included prominent figures such as:
H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia,
Dr. Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB),
Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, President of ASG,
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA),
Prof. Hajer Gueldich, Legal Counsel of the African Union, and
Dr. Acha Leke, Senior Partner and Chairman of McKinsey Africa.
Discussions highlighted the importance of education in public policy as a cornerstone for Africa’s transformation, drawing on the extensive experience of the speakers from academia, international organizations, governments, and the private sector.
Partnership with the Mastercard Foundation
In his remarks, Dr. Peter Materu, representing the Mastercard Foundation, emphasized that ASG aligns with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works Strategy, which aims to empower 30 million young Africans—70% of whom are women—with access to dignified and fulfilling work opportunities by 2030. He expressed confidence that ASG will serve as a catalyst for realizing this vision.
Recruitment Drive for Inaugural Cohort
The launch also marked the beginning of ASG’s first student recruitment drive, targeting a diverse group of talented individuals from across Africa, including underrepresented communities. ASG aims to enroll over 100 students in its first year across its Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) programs.
ASG’s curriculum combines global academic standards with African insights and case studies, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address Africa’s complex governance challenges. Through its practical, real-world applications, the school is committed to producing purpose-driven leaders who can innovate, drive policy reforms, and lay the foundation for transformative governance.
Vision for Transformative Impact
ASG’s vision extends beyond providing world-class education; it aims to actively contribute to the transformation of public policy and governance practices across Africa. The institution aspires to become a hub for research and policy development, fostering partnerships with governments, private sector entities, and academic institutions across the continent and globally.
Over the next five years, ASG expects to graduate more than 1,000 leaders, each equipped to take on leadership roles in various sectors and contribute to Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, President of ASG, stated: “The Grand Launch and the opening of student recruitment for our inaugural cohort are not just milestones but a call to action for all who share in the belief of Africa’s boundless potential. ASG is committed to empowering future leaders to innovate and effect systemic change in governance.”
A Commitment to Innovation and Inclusion
ASG prides itself on fostering a learning environment that emphasizes inclusivity and diversity. Students will have opportunities to engage with varied perspectives and gain proficiency in an additional African Union language, further enhancing their leadership capacities. The institution also aims to build a collaborative ecosystem that bridges academia, public policy, and private sector engagement, ensuring that policies and initiatives are evidence-based and tailored to Africa’s unique needs.
Applications for the inaugural cohort will open on February 1, 2025. Prospective students and stakeholders are encouraged to learn more and apply by visiting ASG’s official website: https://asg.ac.
