In a strategic move to transform public governance across Africa, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has launched the Leadership Enhancement and Development (LEAD) programme, a flagship initiative that will train 50 high-potential young African civil servants each year.
Unveiled on Thursday, the programme is the result of a strong partnership between the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and four major 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 initiative is designed to foster excellence in public policy and empower a new generation of reform-minded leaders to drive Africa’s sustainable development.
Founder of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, underscored the importance of investing in public sector leadership:
“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.”
LEAD targets young professionals already working in Africa’s public service, equipping them with leadership, reform, and policy skills to tackle the continent’s most pressing issues ranging from industrialisation and climate change to demographic shifts and regional integration. The programme will also draw insights from successful public policy models in Brazil, India, and Indonesia.
The initiative comes at a time when governance deficits continue to hinder development across Africa despite decades of economic growth. LEAD aims to close this gap by creating a vibrant, cross-border network of public sector innovators who will champion institutional reform and support continental frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Since its establishment in 2020, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has focused on transforming public sector leadership across Africa through targeted investments in human capital, policy innovation, and strategic partnerships.
