A new continental initiative aimed at nurturing Africa’s next generation of women political leaders was launched on August 3 in Kigali. The African Academy for Women in Political Leadership is a collaboration between the African School of Governance (ASG), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union Commission (AUC), and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN).

The academy offers a structured program combining virtual learning and an in-person convening to equip women leaders with essential skills, mentorship, and peer networking opportunities. Its mission is to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in political leadership positions across Africa.

Program and Participants

  • The inaugural cohort includes 40 women selected from over 1,300 applicants, representing government institutions, political parties, AU agencies, and civil society organizations from all five African regions.
  • Participants engage in a four-week blended learning program with ongoing mentorship from senior AWLN members and access to ASG’s alumni network.

Leadership Perspectives

Francis Gatare, President of ASG, emphasized the academy’s role in fostering ethical and transformative leadership committed to community service. He highlighted the initiative’s goal to create a permanent network among women leaders to sustain progress in political participation.

Jide Martins Okeke of UNDP underscored the need for ecosystems that go beyond legislation to provide women with skills and supportive networks, while advocating for shifting patriarchal mindsets through positive masculinity.

Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde noted the academy’s focus on developing leaders capable of institutional strengthening and meaningful change, stressing the importance of peer support among women leaders.

Voices from the Cohort

Germaine Mukabalisa, a member of the first cohort and a Rwandan MP, acknowledged Rwanda’s progress in women’s leadership and stressed the importance of cross-country learning to close remaining gaps in gender equality and economic empowerment.

She described the academy as an opportunity to build on the legacy of past leaders and inspire future generations of women in politics.