Kigali [Rwanda], January 15: The African School of Governance (ASG), a graduate institution designed to offer world-class education programs in public policy, research, governance, leadership, and management, was formally launched Tuesday in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
Co-founded by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, in consultation with other African leaders, academics, and philanthropists, the ASG initiative aims to address the continent's pressing governance challenges by equipping emerging leaders with the mindsets, skills, and knowledge necessary for effective leadership in Africa's future.
Speaking at the launch, Desalegn said the ASG would serve as a center for cultivating purpose-driven leaders prepared to tackle the continent's most significant challenges and opportunities by blending Africa's distinctiveness with global best practices.
"The first step for Africa to reclaim its greatness is to build an understanding and appreciation of its history, political economy, and empowered mindsets in its leaders. Based on this solid foundation, leaders can then shape Africa's trajectory," he said.
At the event, ASG President Kingsley Moghalu said the school would focus on creating a sustainable governance model rooted in African realities.
"Today's event is of profound historic importance. ASG, as an accredited pan-African graduate-level institution, is dedicated to leading the transformation of governance in Africa," he said, adding that the ASG would offer a comprehensive suite of academic programs to address governance, leadership, and policy deficits across Africa.
Joseph Nsengimana, Rwanda's minister of education, said at the launch that the ASG has found a natural home in Rwanda, a country that reflects the very principles the institution seeks to cultivate.
"Hosting ASG is our shared responsibility to contribute to Africa's future by investing in the next generation of leaders. As we inaugurate ASG today, let us celebrate not only its opening but also the promise it holds for our continent and the globe at large. Together, let us invest in leadership that will steer Africa toward a prosperous future," said the minister.
The ASG will offer a diverse range of academic programs, including the Master of Public Administration and the Executive Master of Public Administration, tailored to mid-career professionals and senior executives, respectively, according to a press statement released earlier by the ASG.
The school will also provide specialized executive courses designed to enhance specific leadership skills for professionals. Additionally, the Young Leaders Program and the Senior Leadership Fellowship will cater to high-potential undergraduates and seasoned professionals nearing the end of their careers, ensuring leadership development at every stage.
In addition to its education programs, the ASG will advance governance through its dedicated research centers, including the Center for Home-Grown Innovations in Policy and Governance, the Center for African History and Leadership, the Center for Trade and Regional Integration, and the Center for Technology and Effective Delivery.
Source: Xinhua News Agency
