From Vision to Reality: AWLN, UNDP, AU & ASG Officially Launch The African Academy for Women in Political Leadership in Kigali

A bold new chapter in Africa's leadership journey was written in Kigali, Rwanda, with the official launch of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, a landmark continental initiative designed to prepare and empower the next generation of women political leaders.

Developed through a strategic partnership between the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union (AU) and the African School of Governance (ASG), the Academy represents a transformative investment in women's political leadership across Africa.

At a time when women remain significantly underrepresented in political decision-making, the Academy responds to a clear continental need: equipping women leaders not only to access positions of power, but to lead effectively, ethically and with lasting impact.

1st cohort of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership

Meet the Inaugural Cohort

The African Academy for Women in Political Leadership proudly welcomes its inaugural cohort of 40 exceptional women leaders from 28 African countries and the Caribbean*. Representing a diverse range of leadership roles, including ministers, parliamentarians, mayors, political party leaders, and public servants, these accomplished women bring a wealth of experience and a shared vision for Africa's future.

Selected through a highly competitive process, the cohort reflects the richness and diversity of women's leadership across the continent. Over the coming weeks, participants will strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and engage in practical learning designed to equip them for greater impact in public service and political leadership.

*Benin, Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Group photo of participants at the Launch of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, Kigali

Why This Academy Matters

Across Africa, remarkable progress has been made toward advancing women's political participation. Yet structural barriers, including unequal access to political financing, limited leadership networks, and institutional challenges, continue to hinder women's full participation in governance.

The African Academy for Women in Political Leadership was created to address these realities by providing practical leadership development tailored to the African political context.

The Academy seeks to strengthen women's capacity to:

-Lead inclusive and accountable governance;

-Navigate complex political environments;

-Build strategic coalitions;

-Communicate effectively with citizens;

-Advance ethical and transformative leadership;

-Champion democratic governance across the continent.

AWLN's Enduring Commitment

Since its establishment in 2017, AWLN has championed women's leadership at every level, from local communities to the highest offices of government.

The launch of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership marks another important milestone in that journey.

As a founding partner, AWLN continues to advance its mission of creating pathways for women to lead, influence public policy, and contribute to peaceful, democratic and inclusive societies.

The Academy reflects AWLN's belief that investing in women leaders today strengthens Africa's governance for generations to come.

"Africa has never lacked capable women leaders. What has often been missing is an ecosystem that intentionally prepares, mentors, accompanies, and supports women throughout their leadership journey."

-H.E. Bineta Diop, AWLN Co-Convener

In her remarks at the official launch, H.E. Mme Bineta Diop, African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security and AWLN Co-Convener, described the Academy as a defining milestone in Africa's journey toward gender-responsive leadership.

She emphasized that while Africa has never lacked capable women leaders, it has too often lacked the systems and institutional support needed to prepare, accompany, and sustain them throughout their political journeys. The launch of the Academy, she noted, marks a decisive transition from championing women's political leadership to building the structures that make it possible.

"Today we moved decisively from advocacy to implementation."

Mme Diop also highlighted the overwhelming response to the inaugural call for applications, with more than 1,000 women applying for just 40 places, underscoring both the demand for high-quality leadership development and the vast pool of talented women ready to serve their countries.

She reaffirmed AWLN's commitment to ensuring that the Academy becomes more than a training programme, it is a continental platform where women leaders will gain practical skills, learn directly from experienced African stateswomen and policymakers, forge cross-border networks, and strengthen the collective leadership needed to shape Africa's future.

Distinguished Women Leaders in Attendance

The launch was further enriched by the presence of some of Africa's most distinguished women leaders, reflecting the Academy's significance as a continental initiative.

Among the esteemed guests were H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and former Co-Chair of the AWLN High-Level Advisory Council, and H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza, former President of the Central African Republic and AWLN Champion. Their presence underscored the importance of intergenerational leadership and the collective commitment to advancing women's political participation across Africa.

As trailblazing leaders who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations, their participation served as a powerful reminder that investing in women leaders today is essential to building more inclusive, peaceful, and resilient democracies tomorrow.

The Academy also welcomed a distinguished group of keynote speakers and institutional leaders whose contributions reflected a shared commitment to advancing women's political leadership across the continent. These included H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; Dr. Jide Okeke, Director of the Regional Programme for Africa at UNDP; and Mr. Francis Gatare, President of the African School of Governance. Their remarks reaffirmed the collective vision behind the Academy and the importance of investing in women leaders as drivers of democratic governance and sustainable development.

A Vision for the Next Generation of Women Leaders

Addressing the inaugural cohort, H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of Ethiopia, emphasized that the Academy represents a significant shift in how women are supported on their political leadership journeys. Rather than leaving women to navigate systemic barriers on their own, she noted, the Academy provides a structured platform for learning, mentorship, and the exchange of experience across generations.

She encouraged participants to lead with integrity, purpose, and a strong commitment to public service, underscoring that true leadership is measured by the ability to strengthen institutions, serve communities, and create lasting positive change.

Reflecting on the Academy's broader vision, H.E. Sahle-Work stressed that its enduring impact will not be defined solely by the completion of the programme, but by the contributions its graduates make in advancing good governance, mentoring future women leaders, and expanding opportunities for more women to participate in political leadership across Africa.

"Leadership is never simply about occupying an office. It is about judgment, integrity, humility, and the ability to bring people together."

-H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, AWLN Elder and former President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia 

Speaking at the launch of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza, former President of the Central African Republic and AWLN Elder underscored the importance of preparing the next generation of women leaders to shape Africa's future.

"Africa's future depends as much on the women who lead today as on those preparing to take up the mantle tomorrow." 

-H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza, AWLN Elder and former President of the Central African Republic 

H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, pictured with H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, Former President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and AWLN Elder.

Opening the Academy, H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, underscored the importance of moving beyond advocating for women’s participation towards deliberately building a strong pipeline of women leaders:

“The question is no longer whether African women are ready to lead. History has already answered that question.”

Over five days, participants explored key dimensions of political leadership, including the history of African women’s political authority; money, power and political financing; narrative, visibility and political communication; coalitions, parties and institutions; and leadership resilience.

Building Leaders for Lasting Impact

In his remarks, Mr. Francis Gatare, President of the African School of Governance (ASG), underscored that the Academy reflects ASG's commitment to developing ethical, values-driven leaders equipped to serve the public with integrity. He emphasized that, despite progress, women remain underrepresented in political decision-making across Africa, making sustained investment in their leadership development both timely and necessary.

“Running for office and obtaining authority and power is not sufficient. What makes a difference is the character and the impact that the person makes with that responsibility.”

Mr. Gatare further highlighted that the Academy is envisioned as a long-term institution that will continue to support women leaders beyond the inaugural programme. Participants will become part of the ASG alumni network, where they will remain connected through mentorship, peer learning, and ongoing collaboration, fostering a community of leaders committed to advancing inclusive governance across the continent.

“Our mandate is to create a generation of African leaders who are ethical, who have a transformative mindset and have a commitment to the pursuit of excellence in the service of their communities and their countries,”  - Mr. Francis Gatare, President of the African School of Governance.

Strengthening the Partnership for Women's Political Leadership

Mr. Francis Gatare, President, African School of Governance (ASG) pictured with Dr. Jide Okeke, Director, Regional Programme for Africa, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) during the MoU Signing

Mr. Francis Gatare, President, African School of Governance (ASG) pictured with Dr. Jide Okeke, Director, Regional Programme for Africa, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) during the MoU Signing

A key milestone of the launch was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African School of Governance (ASG), formalizing their partnership to advance the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership and support its long-term vision.

As a founding partner alongside the African Union Commission, AWLN welcomes this important step in strengthening collaboration among institutions committed to advancing women's political leadership across Africa. The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to building a sustainable platform that equips women with the knowledge, networks, and leadership skills needed to participate fully and effectively in political decision-making.

The MoU lays the foundation for the Academy's continued growth, ensuring that this pioneering initiative evolves into a lasting institution that empowers current and future generations of African women leaders.

Leading with Purpose

Throughout the opening sessions of the Academy, speakers reflected on the values that define impactful political leadership. Participants were encouraged to lead with integrity, remain prepared for the responsibilities of public office, and stay grounded in their purpose despite the challenges that come with leadership.

Discussions emphasized that effective leadership requires courage, accountability, and a clear understanding of one's role in serving citizens. The inaugural cohort was reminded that true influence is built not only through holding office, but through the values and decisions that shape lasting public impact.

Women Leading on Their Own Terms

One of the Academy's recurring messages was that women lead in every sphere of society, from their homes and communities to national institutions and global platforms.

Participants were encouraged to embrace authentic leadership, recognizing that there is no single model of what a political leader should look like. Rather than conforming to traditional expectations, women were urged to lead with confidence, drawing on their own experiences, perspectives, and strengths while remaining true to themselves.

Building a Legacy Through Sisterhood

The Academy also highlighted the importance of collaboration over competition. Speakers encouraged participants to reject the notion that women must compete against one another and instead invest in collective success by mentoring, supporting, and uplifting future generations.

The message was clear: every woman leader has the opportunity, and the responsibility, to leave institutions, communities, and political spaces stronger for those who will follow. By sharing knowledge, opening doors, and creating opportunities for others, today's leaders help shape tomorrow's Africa.

A highlight of the week was an exchange with distinguished women leaders, including H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Hon. Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé and Rt. Hon. Lamein Blanchette, providing participants with an opportunity to learn directly from their leadership experiences.

The programme also included a high-level dialogue with Rt. Hon. Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, Chief Justice of Rwanda, a virtual engagement with H.E. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, and a reflective visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, exploring leadership, reconciliation and nation-building.

The Kigali residential week marked the beginning of a four-week programme, followed by three weeks of online learning, structured mentorship and sister circles, with sustained alumni engagement designed to support participants throughout their leadership journeys.

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