The institution, co-founded by Rwanda's President Paul Kagame and Ethiopia's former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, aims to redefine leadership across the continent through evidence-based policymaking, ethical governance, and cutting-edge research.
The inauguration drew notable dignitaries, including Rwanda's Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana; the inaugural ASG president, Professor Kingsley Moghalu; Dr. Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank; Prof. Peter Materu, Chief Program Officer at Mastercard Foundation; and other board members, including Francis Gatare, a senior presidential advisor.
The event came just days after the institution, which also has the backing of the Mastercard Foundation, received accreditation from the Higher Education Council of Rwanda on January 6, 2025.
In his keynote address, former Prime Minister Desalegn highlighted the urgent need for leadership tailored to Africa's unique challenges. He emphasized that the school's establishment is driven by the belief that 'Leadership matters, and one of the greatest things holding Africa back is a clear deficit in leadership that is fit for the purpose.'
Desalegn added that the ASG represents a response to the continent's leadership challenges, characterized by a 'lack of vision or strategies to deliver results, and even backsliding after periods of some gains.' He stressed that the school seeks to reverse this trend by nurturing leaders with a deep understanding of Africa's history, political economy, and untapped potential.
He further noted that the ASG will integrate *home-grown solutions* to address Africa's unique problems, ensuring leadership strategies are rooted in the continent's realities, cultures, and values.
Professor Moghalu outlined the institution's ambitious plans, including graduate-level programs in public policy, governance, and leadership.
The programs are designed to nurture current and future leaders capable of driving sustainable development, economic growth, and social transformation across Africa while elevating the continent's voice in global governance discussions.
'This is an event of profound historic importance. ASG, as an accredited Pan-African graduate-level institution, is dedicated to leading the transformation of governance in Africa,' Moghalu remarked.
The ASG campus, located at the former Rwanda Development Board headquarters in Gishushu Village, Gasabo District, is under construction and will welcome its first cohort of students in September 2025.
Minister Nsengimana expressed Rwanda's pride in hosting the ASG, describing it as a testament to the country's commitment to visionary governance.
'The ASG finds a natural home here in Rwandaâ€"a country that reflects the very principles this institution seeks to cultivate. Hosting the ASG is our shared responsibility to contribute to Africa's future by investing in the next generation of leaders,' Nsengimana said.
He emphasized the institution's potential to transform Africa's challenges into opportunities through leadership that embodies integrity and resilience.
'The challenges facing Africa today range from economic inequalities and climate change to issues of social justice, and they are undoubtedly complex. Yet, with the right leadership, grounded in integrity and guided by strong values, these challenges can be transformed into remarkable opportunities,' he added.
ASG will offer five distinguished academic programs designed for students and executives across Africa and globally, each tailored to build governance and leadership capacities in public administration.
The courses include the Master of Public Administration (MPA), Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA), General Executive Courses, the Young Leaders Program targeting high-potential recent graduates, and the Senior Leadership Fellowship.
Former Prime Minister Desalegn affirmed that admissions will be need-blind, with partnerships between governments and the private sector expected to pool resources to support students in need.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
