Rabat, August 02, 2025
A groundbreaking initiative aims to address one of Africa’s most persistent challenges: transforming the quality of public governance to match the continent’s remarkable economic potential. The Africa CEO Forum, together with four leading strategic partners – Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) – today announced the launch of LEAD, a pan-African program designed to groom a new generation of public policy leaders who can drive sustainable economic transformation across the continent.
The initiative is a response to a striking paradox facing Africa’s development trajectory over the past two decades. Despite experiencing nearly uninterrupted economic growth, the continent’s 1.4 billion citizens continue to face significant gaps in public service delivery that constrain both economic development and quality of life. While Africa’s GDP has expanded consistently, the translation of that growth into improved governance and citizen welfare has lagged behind other regions with comparable economic profiles.
“We have seen remarkable examples of transformation in the Global South that demonstrate what is possible when public policy excellence becomes the foundation for development,” said Amir Ben Yahmed, CEO of the Africa CEO Forum. “Brazil created a universal healthcare system while digitizing public services. Indonesia became a global nickel leader through strategic industrial policy. India revolutionized financial inclusion with its Aadhaar digital identity program. These successes show that well-designed governance can be the definite engine of economic transformation
The timing of LEAD’s launch reflects several converging opportunities that make this Africa’s moment for governance transformation. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), now operational as the world’s largest free trade area since the WTO’s formation, presents unprecedented opportunities for economic integration. However, realizing its estimated $450 billion economic potential requires mature implementation capabilities and policy coordination.
Simultaneously, Africa confronts a complex web of emerging challenges that demand sophisticated policy responses. The continent’s population is projected to double by 2050, while climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity and urban development. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence presents unprecedented opportunities for leapfrogging development challenges and risks of digital exclusion if governance frameworks keep pace. Supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by recent global disruptions, and ongoing “permacrises” – the overlapping series of global emergencies from health pandemics to geopolitical conflicts – add additional layers of complexity that require, today more than ever, coordinated, evidence-based policy approaches.
Each year, LEAD will create a dynamic pan-African network of high-potential young civil servants, who share a common vision of service excellence, and will develop the tools, understanding and insights to shape policies in their respective spaces. These leaders will be positioned to work together on continental priorities such as trade integration, climate adaptation, AI governance, digital transformation, and regional security while driving institutional change within their respective countries.
The program will draw inspiration from successful governance transformations worldwide while remaining grounded in African contexts and priorities. The initiative’s approach reflects a fundamental recognition that public governance serves as the critical infrastructure for unlocking Africa’s competitive advantages. By strengthening policy-making foundations, the program aims to create enabling environments that amplify private sector development and deliver superior economic and social outcomes for citizens.
“Africa has extraordinary potential – abundant natural resources, a young and growing population, increasing digital connectivity, and expanding regional integration,” noted Amir Ben Yahmed, CEO of the Africa CEO Forum. “But we are also navigating complex 21st-century challenges from AI regulation to climate resilience that require a new caliber of public sector leadership. What we need now are inspired, independent, and impactful leaders who can harness emerging technologies while protecting citizens’ interests and translate that potential into concrete improvements in people’s lives through excellent public policy.”
The first cohort of LEAD participants will make their way to the UM6P Campus in Rabat, Morocco at the end of August. They will be joined by a selected set of experts and policymakers to support their learning during this inaugural edition.
LEAD also benefits from the strong support of actors committed to excellence in public policy and the promotion of good governance. BOAD, ARISE Foundation, African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re), and ASAFO & CO are among those providing their expertise and resources to support LEAD’s mission.
For more information about LEAD and application procedures, please contact lead@theafricaceoforum.com
