As part of efforts to promote good governance across the African continent, a new institution called the African School of Governance (ASG) is set to launch in Kigali, Rwanda. This school aims to address the key governance challenges facing Africa by training a diverse range of leaders, including government officials and aspiring change-makers, to shift their mindsets toward sustainable development, effective management of national affairs, and modern, transformative leadership rooted in good governance, research, and long-term solutions.
The ASG will be headquartered in Kigali and is expected to begin operations in September 2025. In its first intake, it plans to enroll over 100 students, with a long-term goal of graduating 1,000students within five years. During a recent meeting in Kigali, Dr. Moustapha Diop, the Senegalese ambassador to Turkey, highlighted the importance of this initiative.
“What sets ASG apart and makes it highly valuable is its focus on the real challenges facing Africa. It provides in-depth discussions and develops capable African leaders, the leaders of tomorrow, who are equipped to guide their continent with wisdom and high-level skills, and who can find concrete solutions to Africa’s pressing problems today.” He stated
Although the school was officially inaugurated in January 2025, during a high-level meeting took place Kigali from July 8 to 10 which brought together influential African government representatives and decision-makers to discuss the implementation of this initiative. The discussions emphasized building an African-centered education model, grounded in local values and free from the constraints often encountered when studying in other continents such as America or Europe, where context-based differences make it harder to apply learned principles effectively back home.
Meaza Ashenafi, former President of Ethiopia’s Supreme Court and now a gender and women’s rights advisor at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), also shared her perspective. She stressed the essential role of women in building strong governance systems:
“This school has great potential to transform the future. Women are the foundation of families and the well-being of society. Sadly, in many African countries, women are still underrepresented in leadership and decision-making. Rwanda serves as a positive example, with significant female representation in both parliament and government.”
“That’s why we need to bring more women into ASG, to train them in strong leadership, expand their opportunities in governance, and prepare them as the future leaders of Africa.” She spoke
Participants at the meeting emphasized that the establishment of ASG in Kigali marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey toward self-reliance. It aims to build a new generation of African leaders, decision-makers, innovators, and agents of meaningful regional transformation.
Professor Kingsley Moghalu, the head of ASG and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, explained the school’s intended impact:
“The African School of Governance is a graduate-level institution focused on public governance and leadership. Its mission is to prepare the next generation of African leaders. What makes ASG unique is its commitment to delivering high-quality leadership training and practical, evidence-based governance.”
“ASG is not just about creating leaders in name it’s about producing results that improve people’s lives. This is what makes it a special institution on the African continent.” He explained
This new school will play a vital role in shaping Africa’s future by training individuals capable of driving meaningful and lasting change. It will welcome a wide range of students from across Africa, including those working in government, the private sector, and young people eager to gain skills in good governance.
