Kigali – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the African School of Governance (ASG), the African Union Commission (AUC), and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), has successfully conducted a five-day launch and induction for the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership.
The Academy proudly welcomes its inaugural group of 40 women leaders in politics, selected from over 1,300 applications across 28 African nations and the Caribbean. This vibrant cohort includes cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, mayors, governors, senators, political party leaders, and aspiring young women.
More than 60 percent of the participants come from nations that will be conducting presidential or parliamentary elections in the next two years, integrating the Academy’s executive training program into active political campaigns, legislatures, and cabinet activities.
The official inauguration took place on 3 August, with attendance from representatives of the Government of Rwanda, former heads of state, ministers, parliamentarians, development partners, scholars, private sector members, civil society organizations, and media personnel.
“Joining this academy provides an opportunity to connect, share insights, improve your existing skills, and, most importantly, build a supportive network that will benefit your careers for years to come,” remarked Francis Gatare, President of the African School of Governance.
The Academy represents a strategic commitment to shaping Africa’s democratic future.
It places women political leaders at the forefront of strengthening African institutions, enhancing democratic governance, and fostering peace, security, and sustainable development across the continent.
“Today signifies more than just the launch of another institution; it marks a transformative moment in the evolution of the African Women Leaders Network,” noted H.E. Bineta Diop, Co-Convenor of the African Women Leaders Network.
“For years, we have advocated for women’s leadership. Today, we are decisively moving from advocacy to implementation,” she further stated.
Alongside the academy launch, UNDP and the African School of Governance Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a continent-wide ecosystem for transformative women’s leadership in Africa.
This five-year framework establishes collaborative governance efforts, including support for women in political leadership through the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, outreach to women leaders, creating opportunities for Africa Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) fellows, building alumni networks to contribute to Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), engaging national women’s groups and political forums, and tailoring leadership training to local contexts and languages.
The Academy’s curriculum tackles the challenges that prevent capable women from gaining office, including the financial demands of politics.
In addition to covering political leadership, coalition-building, communication, and ethical leadership, the program also equips participants with essential insights on campaign financing.
“We must not only tally the number of women entering politics but also evaluate the women who truly exert influence once they are there,” emphasized Dr. Jide Okeke, Director of the UNDP Regional Programme for Africa.
“Capable women face barriers not due to a lack of talent, but rather because of financial constraints, protections, and coalition support.
“In this region, the average cost to contest for a parliamentary seat can be around US$40,000.”
Dr. Okeke added: “This Academy boldly addresses campaign financing, together with skills in legislation, coalition-building, communication, and ethical leadership.
“Anyone who fails to teach women about fundraising has already made a decision regarding who will face defeat.”
A key feature of the Academy is its deliberate focus on emerging leaders.
By bridging experienced and emerging leaders, the Academy acknowledges that leadership is bolstered through intergenerational exchange.
“The question is no longer whether African women are prepared to lead; history has already provided the answer,” declared H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.
“The crucial question now is whether our institutions are ready to fully recognize, support, and benefit from that leadership.
“The African Union remains a dedicated partner.
“We are committed to actively shifting from advocating for women’s participation to intentionally nurturing a pipeline of capable, ethical, and transformational female leaders.
Over the five days, the cohort participated in the Academy’s initial modules — exploring the history of African women’s political authority, financial empowerment and political financing, narrative, visibility, political communication, coalitions, parties, institutions, and resilience in leadership — delivered through practitioner-led workshops, experience-sharing sessions, clinics, and peer exchanges.
Noteworthy moments included an engaging discussion between the cohort and distinguished leaders such as Sahle-Work Zewde, Former President of Ethiopia; Catherine Samba-Panza, Former President of the Central African Republic; Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Former Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé, Former Prime Minister of Togo; and Lamein Blanchette, Speaker of Parliament of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The program also included a dialogue with Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, Chief Justice of Rwanda; a virtual interaction with Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Africa; and a reflective visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, contemplating the consequences of failed leadership and the importance of visionary leadership and reconciliation in national rebuilding.
The residential week in Kigali marks the start of a four-week program.
Following this, the cohort will engage in three weeks of online learning, structured mentorship, and sister circles, culminating in ongoing alumni involvement aimed at maintaining the network’s activity throughout campaigns, legislative terms, and public office.
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