Prominent African leaders have joined hands to launch the African School of Governance (ASG), a Kigali-based institute that will offer world-class, graduate-level education in governance and public policy.
Co-founded by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and former Ethiopia prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn (both co-founders of the ASG Foundation) in consultation with other African leaders, academics and philanthropists, the school is dedicated to improving governance across the continent.
The institute, will be a hub for nurturing purpose-driven leaders equipped to tackle the continent’s greatest challenges and opportunities, combining Africa’s uniqueness with international best practices, said Desalegn during the launch.
“This is not just an educational institution, but a movement towards sustainable African leadership. Time is ripe for an institution rooted in Africa’s needs and aspirations,” he said.
“The aim of this institution is to address the continent’s pressing governance challenges by equipping emerging leaders with the mindsets, skills and knowledge required for effective leadership in Africa’s future.”
ASG, he added, will offer a comprehensive suite of academic programmes designed to meet governance, leadership, and policy deficits across Africa. These include a master of public administration and an executive master’s in public administration, which are tailored to mid-career professionals and senior executives, respectively.
High-potential undergraduates
The institute will also provide specialised executive courses aimed at enhancing specific leadership skills for professionals. A Young Leaders Programme and a Senior Leadership Fellowship will cater to high-potential undergraduates and seasoned professionals nearing the end of their careers, ensuring that ASG supports leadership development at every stage.
“ASG’s curriculum will be distinguished by integrating African historical, political, and socio-economic contexts. By grounding students in African realities, the institution will equip diverse leaders to navigate the continent’s complex governance challenges while drawing from global best practices,” he said.
Besides educational offerings, ASG will play a critical role in advancing governance through its dedicated research centres. These include the Centre for Home-Grown Innovations in Policy and Governance, the Centre for African History and Leadership, the Centre for Trade and Regional Integration, and the Centre for Technology and Effective Delivery.
These research hubs will focus on generating evidence-based solutions tailored to African governance challenges, helping policymakers design and implement effective policies and strategies.
“ASG’s commitment to policy engagement is equally robust, with plans to actively engage with governments, civil society, and private-sector stakeholders,” said Prof Kingsley Moghalu, former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the inaugural president for the school.
“Through policy labs, incubators, and collaborative partnerships, ASG will translate its research into actionable policy solutions that promote good governance and sustainable development across the continent.”
ASG is supported by the Mastercard Foundation as part of its Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young people from the continent, 70 percent of whom are women, to access dignified and fulfilling work opportunities by 2030.