FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

The African School of Governance (ASG) is a graduate-level institution that envisions a prosperous and peaceful Africa where purpose-driven leaders drive sustainable development for all.

Its mission is to empower Africa’s leaders through innovative public policy education and research that fosters transformative governance. ASG’s approach is grounded in Africa’s distinct values and opportunities, aiming to shape governance solutions that meet the continent’s unique needs.

ASG’s programs target a diverse group of leaders, including early and mid-career professionals, as well as established figures in governance, aiming to nurture impactful leadership that drives Africa’s sustainable development.

ASG distinguishes itself from its peers by four key features: Mindset-focus; emphasising the importance of a worldview and value system as a driving force of societal transformation, Pan-African student and faculty recruitment, ensuring diversity and inclusion across the continent; a genuinely African curriculum rooted in Africa’s history and experiences; hands-on practical learning through case studies and fieldwork; and a lifelong learning ecosystem that supports leaders at every stage of their career. By combining education, research, and policy-making, ASG strengthens its role as a powerful knowledge base for leadership and governance across Africa.

The process of ASG securing accreditation from the Higher Education Council in Rwanda, which is a recognised authority in higher education accreditation, is at an advanced stage. We are committed to meeting the highest standards of academic excellence and will start enrolling students only after accreditation is confirmed.

We are actively working towards full accreditation, and the process is expected to be completed by end of December 2024. We will keep all stakeholders informed as we reach key milestones in this process.

Yes, once ASG is accredited, our programs will meet international standards and will be recognized by academic and professional institutions globally. We are working diligently to ensure that our offerings are competitive and impactful worldwide.

  • Education: ASG will offer a range of degree and non-degree programs, including Master’s and Executive Master’s degrees in Public Administration, executive education courses, the Young Leaders Programme and the Senior Ledearship Fellowship. These programs focus on developing leadership skills, governance expertise, and real-world problem-solving capabilities.
  • Research: ASG emphasizes evidence-based research that addresses Africa’s unique challenges. The institution is committed to producing impactful research that informs policy and governance decisions, focusing on areas like regional integration, government delivery capabilities, and home-grown innovations.
  • Policy Engagement: ASG will be actively involved in shaping public policy across the continent. Through policy briefs, roundtables, and conferences, ASG engages stakeholders from various sectors to collaborate on solutions to Africa’s governance issues, fostering a strong connection between academia and real-world policy-making.

ASG Education Programmes

  • ASG will offer a range of courses and degrees to meet the needs of post-graduate, mid-level and senior graduate-level programs focused on governance, public policy, leadership, and management.

     

    ASG will offer five academic programmes for students and executives from all African countries and beyond:

    1. Master of Public Administration (MPA): A 2-year Master in Public Administration degree with a rigorous core curriculum on leadership, governance, and policy analysis, and specialisation tracks in African policy challenges.

     

    1. Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA): A 2-year, part-time Executive Master in Public Administration with a flexible curriculum covering leadership, governance, and policy analysis adapted for senior leaders. It offers integrated learning and leadership development opportunities adaptable for senior executives. Available in a hybrid learning mode, combining on-campus and online learning.
    2. Executive Course: Expansive, flexible 2-3 weeks open enrollment and customised courses for established African leaders and senior executives in the public, social, and private sectors of 2-3 weeks for senior executives. It offers leadership education to a wider range of established leaders and senior executives

     

    1. Young Leaders Program: A 6-week program for recent graduates and young African professionals on purpose-driven leadership. It instils a purpose-driven mindset in future leaders early in their journey and drives interest in public policy education.

     

    1. Senior Leadership Fellowship: A 6-month Structured program for senior leaders to reflect on their purpose, goals, and impact strategy, engage as mentors or adjunct faculty, and work to address a core challenge they are facing. It allows established leaders to reflect on their journey and position for greater impact
  • Fluency in English is required for admission. Admitted students will be required to learn at least one additional African Union language during their studies.

  • Yes, ASG offers both in-person and online learning formats, with some programs combining virtual and face-to-face sessions.

  • ASG will offer a rigorous, multidisciplinary curriculum, mentorship, and practical training. Students have access to academic advisors, research opportunities, and internships to gain real-world experience.

Research

  • Research at ASG will inform the governance and policy discourse across Africa. Whether it is security or sustainable development, ASG seeks to address the most pressing policy challenges in Africa through collaborative research projects that identify problems and propose relevant solutions. Our faculty and students engage in impactful research that provides practical, evidence-based solutions to governance challenges.

Our research priorities will focus on four key areas:

      1. African History and Leadership: Research in this area explores Africa’s pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial history to better understand current governance challenges and develop leadership models rooted in African experiences.
      2. Government Delivery Capabilities: This priority focuses on strengthening and transforming the effectiveness of African governments in delivering public services, with an emphasis on policy implementation and governance systems.
      3. Home-Grown Government Innovations: ASG investigates, and documents innovations developed by African governments and societies to solve local challenges, creating a knowledge base of successful governance solutions.
      4. Regional Integration and Collaboration: Research in this area aims to enhance the effectiveness of African regional bodies and institutions, fostering deeper collaboration and integration across the continent.

Policy Engagement

  • We will contribute to policy and innovation through four key channels:

    1. Knowledge Dissemination: Sharing insights and research to inform policy decisions across Africa.
    2. Convening and Capacity Building: Bringing together stakeholders through roundtables and high-level conferences to collaborate on key policy issues.
    3. Direct Policy Engagement: Faculty involvement in providing advisory support to public, private, and social sectors.
    4. Innovation Incubation: Supporting social entrepreneurs and collaborating with governments to implement innovative solutions for public sector improvement.

Leadership and Governance at ASG

ASG was founded by a coalition of African leaders, academics, and philanthropists dedicated to improving governance across the continent, acting through the instrumentality of the ASG Foundation, which is separate from ASG itself.

Professor Kingsley Moghalu serves as the President of ASG and is the leader of the institution. He directs the institutional development of ASG and leads its engagements with scholars, policymakers, and key stakeholders across Africa and beyond, positioning ASG as a leader in governance and policy education.

He will be responsible for shaping the academic vision of ASG, delivering learning that reflects the complex governance challenges facing Africa today. His leadership will focus on recruiting and nurturing top-tier African faculty, fostering an environment of academic excellence and thought leadership that positions ASG as a hub for intellectual and policy innovation.

Prospective Students

ASG welcomes applications from individuals across Africa and beyond who are committed to improving their policy-making skills and knowledge and addressing Africa’s governance challenges. We seek candidates who are passionate about leadership, public policy, and driving transformative change.

Enrolment will open once we have received accreditation, ensuring that all prospective students can be confident in the quality and recognition of their education at ASG.

We will announce our accreditation and the opening of student enrolment on our website, social media platforms, and through direct communication to all prospective students. You can subscribe to our updates to be among the first to know when we open applications.

Yes, international students are welcome at ASG. We offer support through orientation programs and provide resources to help them integrate into the school and the local culture.

Prospective Students

ASG welcomes applications from individuals across Africa and beyond who are committed to improving their policy-making skills and knowledge and addressing Africa’s governance challenges. We seek candidates who are passionate about leadership, public policy, and driving transformative change.

Enrolment will open once we have received accreditation, ensuring that all prospective students can be confident in the quality and recognition of their education at ASG.

We will announce our accreditation and the opening of student enrolment on our website, social media platforms, and through direct communication to all prospective students. You can subscribe to our updates to be among the first to know when we open applications.

Yes, international students are welcome at ASG. We offer support through orientation programs and provide resources to help them integrate into the school and the local culture.

Funding and Tuition

ASG offers a variety of scholarships aimed at supporting students based on financial need, academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to public service. Scholarships can cover part or all of the tuition fees. However, ASG expects many, if not most of the applicants to afford its tuition fee and living expenses.

Eligibility criteria for scholarships typically include academic excellence, leadership experience, professional background, and demonstrated financial need. Each scholarship may have specific requirements, which will be outlined in the application guidelines.

Students can apply for scholarships during the admissions process by completing the financial aid section of the application form. Additional documentation, such as essays, recommendation letters, or financial statements, may be required.

ASG is majority endowment funded, a source of funding which ensures stability and independence over the long-term. The ASG Foundation manages the endowment. A significant portion of funding for ASG will come from course fees. The current endowment is mostly drawn from a partnership with the MasterCard Foundation and is expected to last approximately three years.