Foreign
THE African Academy for Women in Political Leadership was formally launched recently in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, with an inaugural cohort of 40 women from Africa and the Caribbean.
The leadership academy was inaugurated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union Commission and the African Women Leaders Network, in partnership with the African School of Governance (ASG).
The first cohort includes ministers, legislators, mayors, and party leaders, according to the ASG, one of the event organisers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jide Okeke, Director of the Regional Programme for Africa at UNDP, said that the inaugural cohort should recognise that true leadership is measured not only by how far individuals advance, but also by how many women they empower and bring along with them.
Former African Union special envoy on Women, Peace and Security Bineta Diop, said Africa has never lacked capable women leaders.
According to her, what has often been missing is an ecosystem that intentionally prepares mentors, accompanies, and supports women throughout their leadership journey.
She added that the academy is a continental platform to equip, mentor, and accompany Africa’s next generation of women leaders, building the partnerships, sisterhood and support systems.
This she said needed to strengthen governance, advance peace, and accelerate sustainable development across the continent.
The ASG said in a statement that participants will engage with modules, including political leadership and governance, strategic communications, coalition-building, legislative processes, campaign financing, and ethical leadership.
The academy is a four-week blended programme combining virtual learning modules with a residential convening. The learners have been selected through a merit-based, open nomination process.(Xinhua/NAN)
A.I
Aug. 4, 2026
Tags: Jide Okeke United Nations Development Programme