Rwanda is hosting the launch of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, an initiative led by the UNDP, the African Union, the Network of African Women Leaders, and the African School of Governance. The goal is to build the capacity of a new generation of women who are set to assume high-level political roles on the continent.
Forty women leaders from 28 countries in Africa and the Caribbean are participating in this first cohort of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, which was officially inaugurated on July 3 in Kigali, Rwanda. Over the course of several days, they will participate in training sessions focused on leadership, election campaigns, governance, and the development of support networks to better prepare them for assuming the highest public offices.
“Joining this Academy offers you the opportunity to build connections, share your knowledge, and learn from one another. It is also a way to consolidate your skills and professional experience, but above all, to build a strong support network that will sustainably support your career paths. The African School of Governance is delighted to welcome you; our goal is to fully integrate you into our community and connect you with other graduates from the various ASG programs.”
Francis GATARE, CEO of the African School of Governance – Rwanda
Beyond training, the founders of this Academy aim to remove several barriers that still hinder women’s access to political leadership. The program includes modules on election campaign financing, political communication, ethical leadership, and building sustainable coalitions. According to the UNDP, 60% of the participants come from countries that will hold elections within the next three years, which gives this first cohort strategic importance.
“Our commitment extends far beyond this Academy. In partnership with the African Union Commission, the UNDP is currently developing a continent-wide guide on the financial barriers to women’s candidacies. Furthermore, a few days ago in Abuja, ministers and party leaders adopted a regional action plan that transforms the ECOWAS Declaration on Gender Parity into obligations with specific deadlines.”
Jide Martyns OKEKE, Director Regional Programme for Africa, PNUD – Nigeria
The choice of Rwanda to host this Academy is no coincidence. With women making up 64% of its Parliament, the country currently has the highest proportion of women in any legislative assembly in the world. For the former African women leaders gathered in Kigali, this Academy should above all serve as a means to pass on their experiences to a new generation that will shape the continent’s political future.
“As an elder of the African Women Leaders Network, I’ve seen the extra-ordinary value of women working alongside one another, sharing experience, offering encouragement and opening doors that were once closed. The Academy gives that spirit of a permanent home. It institutionalizes what many of us have long believed: when women invest in other women, Africa advances. This has to be a real reality on the ground”
Sahle-Work ZEWDE, Former President of the Republic – Ethiopia
For the creators of this initiative, the ambition goes far beyond the inaugural cohort: the objective is henceforth to establish a durable, continent-wide network of women equipped to take on the highest responsibilities in political governance.
