The African School of Governance (ASG) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Executive Leadership Programmes, offering African leaders an opportunity to strengthen their leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and institutional impact. The programmes are designed to support leadership development across different career stages, from young changemakers driving community transformation to senior professionals leading complex institutions and systems.

Applications for both programmes are currently open and will close on 3 July 2026. Successful applicants will participate in a blended learning experience running from 3 August to 26 August 2026, combining online learning with an in-person residential component in Kigali, Rwanda.

Building Africa’s Next Generation of Leaders

ASG stated that Africa’s future depends on leaders who understand the continent’s unique realities while possessing the skills to anticipate and respond to emerging challenges. Through its executive leadership offerings, the institution seeks to cultivate leaders equipped to navigate social, economic, technological, and political transformations across Africa.

The programmes are rooted in African contexts and place strong emphasis on African evidence, knowledge systems, and ownership in leadership development. By doing so, ASG aims to contribute to building resilient institutions and transformative leadership across the continent.

Two Programmes, One Leadership Continuum

The 2026 Executive Leadership Programmes consist of two distinct tracks tailored to different leadership levels and experiences.

Programme 1: Leadership Fundamentals for High Performance

Targeted at young and emerging leaders aged 18 to 35, this programme provides participants with practical leadership skills necessary for creating meaningful change within their communities, organisations, and countries.

The curriculum focuses on three key leadership dimensions:

Leading Self – Developing self-awareness, resilience, personal values, and a strong sense of purpose.
Leading Others – Strengthening communication skills, team leadership, coaching abilities, and trust-building.
Leading Systems – Understanding institutional dynamics, systems thinking, organisational performance, and change management.

The programme is designed to help participants establish strong leadership foundations that can support long-term personal and professional growth.

Programme 2: Leading Through Strategic Foresight Using Anticipatory Governance

The second programme is designed for senior and emerging leaders aged 30 to 55 who are responsible for institutional performance, governance, and large-scale change initiatives.

Participants will develop advanced competencies in:

Strategic foresight
Anticipatory governance
Scenario planning
Evidence-based decision-making
Adaptive leadership
Institutional resilience

As Africa navigates rapid geopolitical changes, technological advancements, climate-related risks, and economic uncertainty, the programme seeks to prepare leaders to anticipate future challenges and design sustainable responses.

Who Should Apply?

ASG encourages applications from diverse groups of leaders across Africa.

For Programme 1, particular emphasis is placed on encouraging applications from:

Women leaders
Refugees and displaced young people
Young people living with disabilities
Leaders from underserved and marginalised communities

Programme 2 is intended for mid-career and senior professionals who hold responsibilities related to organisational performance, institutional development, policy implementation, or systems transformation.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants interested in either programme must meet several requirements before applying.

Eligible candidates should be able to:

Fully participate in all programme activities between 3 and 26 August 2026
Attend both virtual and in-person learning sessions
Meet the age requirements of their selected programme
Communicate effectively in English
Travel to Kigali, Rwanda, for the residential component
Submit only one application during the current application cycle

ASG advises applicants whose experience falls between the two tracks to select the programme that best reflects their current leadership responsibilities.

Programme Fees and Sponsorship Opportunities

The participation fee for the programmes is set at USD 495.

Recognising that financial barriers can limit access to leadership development opportunities, ASG has made a limited number of sponsored places available through partner organisations. These sponsorships are intended for outstanding applicants who may otherwise be unable to participate.

Candidates seeking financial support will be required to submit a financial statement as part of the application process.

Application Process

Prospective participants are encouraged to follow a structured application process.

The application steps include:

Selecting the preferred programme track.
Downloading and reviewing the relevant programme guide.
Completing the online application form.
Preparing a current CV and referee contact information before submission.

According to ASG, the application form takes approximately 15 to 25 minutes to complete.

Following the application deadline, shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the selection process.

Important Dates

Applicants should take note of the following deadlines:

Applications Open: Currently open
Application Deadline: 3 July 2026
Programme Start Date: 3 August 2026
Programme Duration: 3–26 August 2026
Location: Online and Kigali, Rwanda

Strengthening Leadership Capacity Across Africa

The launch of the 2026 ASG Executive Leadership Programmes reflects growing efforts to strengthen leadership capacity across Africa. By investing in both emerging and experienced leaders, the African School of Governance aims to create a leadership pipeline capable of addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges while shaping sustainable and inclusive development.

The programmes offer a unique opportunity for African leaders to acquire practical skills, expand professional networks, and develop the strategic capabilities needed to drive meaningful impact within their organisations, communities, and nations.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.