Two programmes, one continuum, developing African leaders at every stage, from emerging changemakers to seasoned stewards of institutions. 

Applications close 3 July 2026. 

Africa’s progress will be carried by leaders who understand its realities and can anticipate its future. Building that leadership across generations and across sectors is the work of the African School of Governance (ASG). 

ASG is opening applications for two executive leadership programmes designed to equip African leaders with the mindsets, skills, and foresight the continent needs. Rooted in African context, both programs place African evidence, epistemologies, and ownership at the centre of how leaders are formed. 

Applications are now open. Below is an overview of the two programmes, who they are for, and how to apply. 

About the two programs 

The two programs form a single leadership pipeline. One develops the purpose, self-awareness, leading teams and systems and core capabilities of young and emerging leaders. The other sharpens the strategic foresight and institutional judgement of experienced leaders driving systems change. You apply to the one that fits where you lead today. 

Programme 1 – Leadership Fundamentals for High Performance 

For young and emerging leaders (ages 18–35) 

A practical, immersive programme for young leaders committed to creating change in their communities, organisations, and countries. Participants build the foundations of effective leadership across three areas: 

• Leading Self — self-awareness, clarity of values and purpose, and resilience under pressure 

• Leading Others — communication, trust-building, team leadership, and coaching 

• Leading Systems — how institutions work, systems thinking, and designing for performance and change 

Programme 2 – Leading Through Strategic Foresight using Anticipatory Governance 

Senior and Emerging Leaders (ages 30–55) 

An executive programme for leaders who must see beyond today’s challenges. As geopolitical shifts, technological disruption, climate risk, and economic volatility reshape the continent, participants learn to anticipate change, govern complex systems, and build institutions that endure — through strategic foresight, scenario planning, evidence-based decision-making, and designing adaptive, resilient strategies. 

Who should apply 

Programme 1 is for leaders aged 18–35. We particularly encourage applications from women leaders, refugees and displaced young people, young people with disabilities, and leaders from underserved communities. 

Programme 2 is for mid-career to senior professionals aged 30–55, responsible for institutional performance and change. 

Am I eligible? 

To apply to either programme, you should be able to: 

• Participate fully across all three weeks of the programme (3–26 August 2026), both online and in person in Kigali 

• Meet the age range for your chosen programme (18–35 for Programme 1; 30–55 for Programme 2) 

• Follow and contribute to a programme delivered in English 

• Travel to Kigali, Rwanda, for the in-person week 

• Submit one application to a single programme this cycle 

If your age and experience place you near the boundary between the two programmes, choose the track that best matches the scope of leadership you carry today. 

Fee and sponsorship 

The participation fee is USD 495.  

A limited number of partner-sponsored slots are available for outstanding applicants who would otherwise be unable to take part. Applicants requesting support will be asked to submit a financial statement.  

How to apply 

1. Choose your programme and download the guide. Each guide explains the programme in full, what you will learn, what you will receive, and how selection works. 

Download the Programme 1 Guide — Leadership Fundamentals for High Performance (PDF) → 

Download the Programme 2 Guide — Leading Through Strategic Foresight (PDF) → 

2. Read the guide for the programme you are interested in. 

3. Complete the online application. One application covers both programmes — you select your track within the form. The form takes about 15–25 minutes; have your CV and one referee’s contact details ready. 

Apply now → 

Applications close 3 July 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted thereafter, with the programme beginning 3 August 2026.