Hailemariam Desalegn and Kagame Shaping Africa’s Future

African School of Governance: Forging a New Era of African Leadership

KIGALI, RWANDA – July 8, 2025 – A pivotal moment for Africa’s future leadership unfolded today in Kigali with the official inauguration of the African School of Governance (ASG). This landmark institution, a brainchild of two of Africa’s most revered leaders – H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia – is poised to redefine public policy education and empower a new generation of transformative African leaders.

The launch, which follows ASG’s formal accreditation and granting of legal personality by the Government of Rwanda under Ministerial Order Nº 001/MINEDUC/2025, effective January 6, 2025, marks a significant step towards fostering sustainable development across the continent. Dignitaries, scholars, and key stakeholders from across Africa and beyond gathered to witness the unveiling of an institution dedicated to cultivating leaders equipped with the mindsets, skills, and knowledge to address Africa’s diverse development opportunities in the 21st century.

The Visionary Genesis: From Idea to Institution

The foundation of the African School of Governance was laid in 2022, stemming from a shared understanding between H.E. Paul Kagame and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn regarding the critical need for a graduate-level institution focused on world-class public policy and engagement programs. Their joint vision was to cultivate purpose-driven leaders who could champion “African Solutions to African Problems,” a principle consistently advocated by H.E. Desalegn throughout his impactful career.

In September 2022, a distinguished advisory group was convened, diligently working to refine this ambitious concept. This collaborative effort saw the Mastercard Foundation joining forces with the team, mobilizing external technical experts to craft the strategic and business planning model for ASG. This comprehensive process illuminated a significant existing gap in public policy education and implementation across Africa. 

The identified need encompassed enhanced research, evidence-based policymaking, strategic thinking, and the development of crucial leadership mindsets – all vital components for generating home-grown solutions to drive Africa’s development ambitions and ensure its meaningful engagement in global affairs.

ASG: A Hub of Excellence in Public Policy and Leadership

Strategically located at its purpose-built campus in Rwanda, ASG is designed to be a premier educational hub, attracting talented individuals from across all African countries. The institution offers internationally selected programs in policy, research, governance, leadership, and administration. Its overarching goal is to develop future leaders who will be instrumental in driving progress across the African continent.

ASG’s comprehensive and dynamic educational environment is structured to cultivate leaders in governance and public policy through a robust suite of offerings:

• Master’s Degree in Public Administration: A flagship program designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and advanced skills required for effective public service.
• Executive Education Programs: Tailored programs for seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and policy expertise.
• Research Opportunities: Cutting-edge research initiatives that foster critical thought and contribute to evidence-based policymaking, addressing pressing issues facing Africa and the global community.

The curriculum at ASG is meticulously grounded in African insights and expertise, ensuring that the education provided is not only globally relevant but also deeply attuned to the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities.

A Mission-Driven Institution: Vision, Mission, and Values

At the heart of ASG’s existence are its powerful guiding statements:

• Vision: To nurture a prosperous and peaceful Africa where purpose-driven leaders are equipped with the mindsets, knowledge, and skills to drive sustainable development for all.
• Mission: To nurture leaders to drive Africa’s sustainable development by providing innovative public policy education, cutting-edge research, and a platform for policy engagement that fosters transformative governance tailored to the continent’s unique values and opportunities.

These foundational principles are reinforced by ASG’s core values, which include:

• Leadership: Emphasizing vision, integrity, mindsets, and purpose to transform the continent.
• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in education, governance, and academic quality.
• Inspired: Drawing inspiration from the rich histories, dreams, and experiences of Africa’s peoples.
• Determination: Driving forward changes to effectively address Africa’s biggest challenges and opportunities.
• Engaged: Actively listening and responding to the needs of people, experts, and governments.
• Resourceful: Combining knowledge and talent from across the continent and the world to foster innovative solutions.

Accreditation and Esteemed Partnerships: A Global Network of Excellence

The African School of Governance‘s academic credibility and programmatic quality are firmly established through its official accreditation and legal personality granted by the Government of Rwanda. This crucial step, effective January 6, 2025, under Ministerial Order Nº 001/MINEDUC/2025, empowers ASG to deliver transformative education in public policy, leadership, and governance with robust institutional backing.

Further solidifying its global standing, ASG has forged strategic partnerships with prestigious international institutions. A proud collaboration with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at the National University of Singapore stands as a testament to ASG’s commitment to world-class education. The LKYSPP, renowned as one of the world’s leading public policy schools, significantly enhances the quality and reach of ASG’s programs. Looking ahead, ASG is actively pursuing additional international affiliations with other leading institutions worldwide, ensuring that its students and faculty remain connected to a vibrant global network of expertise and innovation.

The Pillars of ASG: Visionary Founders, Distinguished Board, and Expert Leadership

The strength and future trajectory of the African School of Governance are intrinsically linked to the exceptional individuals at its helm:

The Visionary Founders:

His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn, Former Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia: 

H.E. Desalegn made a profound impact on governance in Africa during his premiership from 2012 to 2018, overseeing significant economic reforms that positioned Ethiopia as one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies. His governance focused on stability, sustainable development, and regional integration, while his efforts in conflict resolution, particularly in the Horn of Africa, solidified his role as a key mediator. A strong advocate for “African Solutions to African Problems,” his voluntary and peaceful handover of power in 2018 was a groundbreaking event in East Africa, earning him international recognition as a pioneer of peaceful power transition. 

As a co-founder of ASG and Guardian of the African School of Governance Foundation, H.E. Hailemariam’s vision, extensive experience, and commitment to inclusive economic growth, peace-building, and regional cooperation will profoundly influence ASG’s approach to cultivating the next generation of African leaders, ensuring governance principles are globally relevant yet deeply rooted in Africa’s unique context. His prior 13-year tenure in academia and administration at Arba Minch Water Technology Institute (now Arba Minch University), including as Dean, further underscores his educational commitment.

His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda: 

A transformative leader credited with turning Rwanda into a model of stability, economic growth, and technological advancement. Under his leadership, Rwanda has achieved inclusive growth and sustainable development, becoming one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies through the implementation of homegrown solutions. President Kagame’s unwavering commitment to good governance, accountability, and innovation has been pivotal to Rwanda’s transformation.

 Beyond his national impact, his influence resonates across Africa, notably as the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office since 2022 and as the African Union (AU) Champion for Domestic Health Financing. As a co-founder of ASG, his visionary leadership will be a driving force, guiding the institution’s mission to nurture future African leaders capable of implementing sustainable governance solutions and leading reform and innovation on both African and global stages.

The Esteemed Governing Board:

ASG’s strategic direction is overseen by a distinguished Governing Board, composed of highly respected figures with deep expertise across international finance, governance, and academia:

• Mr. Makhtar Diop: Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and former Minister of Finance and Economy of Senegal.
• Dr. Donald Kaberuka: Former President of the African Development Bank.
• Professor Hajer Gueldich: Former Professor at the University of Carthage & Legal Counsel of the African Union.
• Mr. Kishore Mahbubani: Former Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
• Mr. Francis Gatare: Senior Advisor, Office of the President of the Republic of Rwanda.

The Dedicated Executive Leadership Team:

Under the guidance of the founders and the Governing Board, ASG’s daily operations and academic excellence are driven by a highly accomplished executive team:

• Professor Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu, President of the African School of Governance (ASG): A globally recognized leader in governance, public policy, and economic transformation, Professor Moghalu is the inaugural President of ASG. His extensive background includes serving as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, founding the Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation (IGET), and holding faculty roles at prestigious institutions such as The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University and the University of Oxford. With a decorated career in the United Nations, Professor Moghalu brings unparalleled expertise, positioning ASG to become a driving force in governance innovation and policy reform across Africa.
• Mr. Mark Nkurunziza, Vice President, Finance and Operations: Bringing over 25 years of financial leadership experience, Mr. Nkurunziza has held key roles at MTN Rwanda, Rwanda Development Board, and RwandAir. His expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency will be critical in advancing ASG’s impactful and sustainable development initiatives.
• Dr. Jane Adhiambo Chiroma, Head of Quality Assurance, Acting Academic Registrar of ASG, and Associate Professor: Dr. Chiroma holds a PhD and Masters in Education Policy from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and a B.A. in Theology. With extensive experience in quality assurance, curriculum development, and digital education, she previously served as Director, Center of Online Teaching and Learning and Senior Lecturer in Leadership at Pan-Africa Christian University in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Ngozichukwu C. Njemanze, Director of Strategic Planning and Chief of Staff to the ASG President: A Certified Governance Auditor, Bank Examiner, and Chartered Secretary and Administrator, Ms. Njemanze is a corporate governance thought leader. She previously held significant roles at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Financial System Stability Directorate and as a Legal Associate at the World Bank Group. Ms. Njemanze holds an LL.M from Harvard Law School, an MBA from American University, and an LL.B. from the University of Nigeria. She will be instrumental in strategic planning, policy development, strategy execution, risk management, and supporting ASG’s corporate governance structures.
• Aissatou Diajhate, Director of External Affairs and Acting Head of Admissions: With a strong background in institutional partnerships, philanthropy, and student engagement, Ms. Diajhate will lead strategic initiatives to enhance ASG’s external relations and streamline inaugural student admission processes. She holds a Master of Development Administration (MDA) from Western Michigan University and a B.A. from Cheikh Anta Diop University. Her previous roles include Chief of Staff & Advisor to the President & CEO of Mastercard Foundation, Country Representative for Mastercard Foundation in Ghana, Director of Programs at the Stephen Lewis Foundation, and Director of Admissions at Suffolk University’s inaugural campus in Africa.

Looking Ahead: Cultivating the Next Generation of African Leaders

The African School of Governance is more than an educational institution; it is a movement dedicated to shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for Africa. By providing innovative public policy education, fostering cutting-edge research, and offering a robust platform for policy engagement, ASG is committed to cultivating a new generation of purpose-driven African leaders. These leaders will be equipped to drive sustainable development and ensure that Africa’s voice is heard and respected on the global stage.

With its robust leadership, strategic partnerships, and a curriculum deeply rooted in African insights, ASG is poised to make an indelible mark on governance across the continent, empowering the leaders who will navigate Africa’s path to enduring progress and prosperity.

For more information visit official website here; African School of Governance

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