Rwanda launches African Academy for Women in Political Leadership

Rwanda unveiled the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership in Kigali, enrolling an inaugural cohort of 40 women from Africa and the Caribbean. The participants include ministers, legislators, mayors and party leaders. The academy was inaugurated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union Commission and the African Women Leaders Network, in partnership with the African School of Governance.

At the ceremony UNDP’s Jide Okeke said, “true leadership was measured by how far individuals advance, and how many women they empower.” Former African Union special envoy Bineta Diop added that “Africa has never lacked capable women leaders” but needs an ecosystem that mentors and supports them. The four‑week blended programme combines virtual modules with a residential convening and covers political leadership, governance, strategic communications, coalition‑building, legislative processes, campaign financing and ethical leadership. Learners were selected through a merit‑based, open nomination process.