Africa CEO Forum Launches Second Cohort of LEAD Leadership Programme in Rabat

The Africa CEO Forum announced the start of the second cohort of its Pan‑African Leadership Programme (LEAD), bringing together 50 senior public officials from across the continent. The three‑day session will run from 28 to 30 August 2026 at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, Morocco, focusing on state modernisation, digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence in public services.

The inaugural cohort, which comprised 36 fellows from 24 countries, saw six participants advance within a year to ministerial posts, senior state roles or chief‑executive positions. A new Boston Consulting Group white paper presented at the forum urges African governments to shift from merely consuming technology to creating value through interoperable digital infrastructure, a theme that underpins the programme’s agenda.

The forum highlighted the importance of building shared, interoperable digital systems to strengthen economic sovereignty and improve public‑service delivery across Africa.