…Initiative targets high-performing civil servants to drive governance reform across the continent
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, in collaboration with four strategic partners, has launched a major new initiative to train 50 outstanding young African civil servants each year in a bid to boost leadership capacity and drive governance reforms across the continent.
Announced on Thursday, the Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (LEAD) is a joint effort by the Foundation and four prominent institutions: the Africa CEO Forum, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
“The human capital of Africa’s public sector is one of the continent’s most underutilized resources. Training, equipping, and empowering public sector leaders is a vital mission. Through this initiative, we are joining forces to build a high-performing, citizen-focused public service, driven by results,” said Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Founder of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation.
Targeting young professionals working in government institutions, the LEAD programme is designed to empower them with the tools and insights needed to lead transformative reforms. It will equip participants to tackle key development issues such as climate change, industrialisation, demographic pressures, and regional cooperation.
The curriculum also incorporates global case studies from countries like Brazil, India, and Indonesia, offering participants exposure to international models of successful public sector innovation.
The launch of LEAD comes amid growing concern over governance deficits in Africa. Despite nearly two decades of economic growth, inefficient public service delivery remains a major hurdle to achieving sustainable development and improving citizens’ lives across the continent.
Through LEAD, the partners aim to build a network of capable and reform-minded civil servants who can help advance strategic continental initiatives, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, established in 2020, is a pan-African philanthropic organisation committed to transforming public service in Africa. It focuses on leadership development, policy innovation, and institutional partnerships to improve governance outcomes.
