Category: Education

The institution, co-founded by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Ethiopia’s former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, aims to redefine leadership across the continent through evidence-based policymaking, ethical governance, and cutting-edge research.

The inauguration drew notable dignitaries, including Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana; the inaugural ASG president, Professor Kingsley Moghalu; Dr. Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank; Prof. Peter Materu, Chief Program Officer at Mastercard Foundation; and other board members, including Francis Gatare, a senior presidential advisor.

The event came just days after the institution, which also has the backing of the Mastercard Foundation, received accreditation from the Higher Education Council of Rwanda on January 6, 2025.

In his keynote address, former Prime Minister Desalegn highlighted the urgent need for leadership tailored to Africa’s unique challenges. He emphasized that the school’s establishment is driven by the belief that “Leadership matters, and one of the greatest things holding Africa back is a clear deficit in leadership that is fit for the purpose.”

Desalegn added that the ASG represents a response to the continent’s leadership challenges, characterized by a “lack of vision or strategies to deliver results, and even backsliding after periods of some gains.” He stressed that the school seeks to reverse this trend by nurturing leaders with a deep understanding of Africa’s history, political economy, and untapped potential.

He further noted that the ASG will integrate *home-grown solutions* to address Africa’s unique problems, ensuring leadership strategies are rooted in the continent’s realities, cultures, and values.

Professor Moghalu outlined the institution’s ambitious plans, including graduate-level programs in public policy, governance, and leadership.

The programs are designed to nurture current and future leaders capable of driving sustainable development, economic growth, and social transformation across Africa while elevating the continent’s voice in global governance discussions.

“This is an event of profound historic importance. ASG, as an accredited Pan-African graduate-level institution, is dedicated to leading the transformation of governance in Africa,” Moghalu remarked.

The ASG campus, located at the former Rwanda Development Board headquarters in Gishushu Village, Gasabo District, is under construction and will welcome its first cohort of students in September 2025.

Minister Nsengimana expressed Rwanda’s pride in hosting the ASG, describing it as a testament to the country’s commitment to visionary governance.

“The ASG finds a natural home here in Rwanda—a country that reflects the very principles this institution seeks to cultivate. Hosting the ASG is our shared responsibility to contribute to Africa’s future by investing in the next generation of leaders,” Nsengimana said.

He emphasized the institution’s potential to transform Africa’s challenges into opportunities through leadership that embodies integrity and resilience.

“The challenges facing Africa today range from economic inequalities and climate change to issues of social justice, and they are undoubtedly complex. Yet, with the right leadership, grounded in integrity and guided by strong values, these challenges can be transformed into remarkable opportunities,” he added.

ASG will offer five distinguished academic programs designed for students and executives across Africa and globally, each tailored to build governance and leadership capacities in public administration.

The courses include the Master of Public Administration (MPA), Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA), General Executive Courses, the Young Leaders Program targeting high-potential recent graduates, and the Senior Leadership Fellowship.

Former Prime Minister Desalegn affirmed that admissions will be need-blind, with partnerships between governments and the private sector expected to pool resources to support students in need.

The leadership group will guide the institution as it continues its mission to promote academic excellence and innovation in governance across the African continent. The ASG initiative, launched in October 2024, aims to be a transformative force in leadership development across Africa.

In a statement, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, President of ASG, highlighted the significance of the appointments, emphasizing that the new leadership team is composed of world-class executives committed to advancing governance education.

“This exceptional group of leaders embodies the values of the African School of Governance. Their collective expertise, vision, and commitment to education and governance will drive our mission to shape the next generation of leaders in Africa,” Prof. Moghalu said.

Professor Anna Lucy Mdee, a renowned academic in the Politics of Global Development, has been appointed Acting Vice-President of Academic Affairs. Prof. Mdee, currently based at the University of Leeds, UK, brings over 25 years of experience in development research across Africa, with a focus on sustainable development, local governance, and social protection. She holds multiple degrees, including a PhD in International Development from the University of Bradford, UK.

Dr. Edward Kadozi has been appointed Director of Academic Affairs. With a PhD in Economics from the University of Amsterdam and vast experience in environmental economics and development economics, Dr. Kadozi previously taught at the University of Rwanda and Kigali Independent University. He is also the founder of the Center for Development Policy, a Pan-African research think tank.

Dr. Lite J. Nartey has been named Director of Executive Education. Holding a PhD from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Nartey has extensive experience designing educational programs at top global institutions such as INSEAD and Tufts University. She is also a Managing Partner at Saense Strategy Consulting LLC.

In addition to the academic leaders, Ms. Ngozichukwu C. Njemanze has been appointed Director and Senior Policy Adviser to the President of ASG. A governance expert with vast experience in corporate governance, Ms. Njemanze has previously worked at the World Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Ms. Aissatou Diajhate will serve as the Director of External Affairs and Acting Director of Admissions. With a strong background in institutional partnerships and philanthropy, Ms. Diajhate has held leadership roles at institutions such as Mastercard Foundation and Suffolk University.

The appointments mark a new phase for ASG, which is committed to shaping future African leaders capable of tackling the continent’s governance challenges. The institution’s curriculum will integrate African socio-economic contexts, offering Master’s programs such as the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) for professionals.

ASG is also building research centres dedicated to generating evidence-based solutions tailored to African governance challenges. These initiatives will engage with governments and other stakeholders to promote good governance and sustainable development across Africa.

With its distinguished leadership team and continued focus on innovation in governance education, ASG is poised to play a critical role in advancing leadership and governance excellence on the continent.

The African School of Governance is a pioneering institution focused on transforming leadership and governance in Africa.

ASG offers graduate-level programs and conducts research to develop innovative solutions to governance challenges.

The institution is backed by leading African figures, including President Paul Kagame and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, and receives support from the Mastercard Foundation.

These details were shared by the BRD leadership during a gathering for Rwandans living abroad on January 3, 2025.

The event hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, was attended by over 130 Rwandans from more than 40 countries.

In his address, the Minister emphasized that achieving the goals of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) will require ongoing effort and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the Rwandan diaspora.

The student loan scheme, which started in 1980 under the Ministry of Education, has undergone several changes over time.

Initially managed by the Ministry of Education, the responsibility shifted in 2008 to the Students Financing Agency of Rwanda (SFAR).

In 2013, following a merger of institutions under the Ministry of Education, SFAR was integrated into the Rwanda Education Board (REB) as a department responsible for student loans.

In 2016, BRD took over the management of student loans and collection of repayments from beneficiaries.

During the event, Wilson Rurangwa, Head of the Education Department at BRD, urged those who had benefited from the loans to begin thinking about repayment.

“As the Minister mentioned, the NST2 development agenda aims to build a knowledge based economy, and this can only be achieved through education.

“Many of us here have had the privilege of studying with these loans, but we must repay them so that future generations can have the same opportunity,” Rurangwa said.

BRD also advises loan applicants to open accounts with BRD Minuza, which will allow them to easily track their payments or have their employers deduct payments directly from their salaries if applicable.

The bank has been making adjustments to student loan repayment procedures as needed.

For example, in July 2024, 300 million Rwandan Francs were refunded to those who had overpaid on their loans.

The National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) had earlier announced that the first group of boarding students is scheduled to return to their schools on January 3, 2025.

Congestion has been reported at various bus stations across Kigali, where students board vehicles to return to school, making it difficult for some to find transport.

Joseph Rutajobwa, an employee of Virunga Express, explained that the transportation challenges faced by students are largely due to non-compliance with the set return schedule.

“The problem is that students do not respect their designated days. For instance, if students from the Southern Province are assigned a specific date, they often fail to travel on that date and instead show up on other days, leading to overcrowding and delays,” he stated.

Emma-Claudine Ntirenganya, the Kigali City Director General in Charge of Communication and Education, stated that some parents have developed a habit of disregarding the schedule for returning students, creating challenges for service providers.

“When parents fail to follow the schedule, it becomes challenging for us as the Kigali City administration, and it also creates difficulties for transportation companies. These companies cannot combine students with other passengers, as students travel under standard fares without additional charges,” Ntirenganya explained:

Ntirenganya warned parents who delay their children’s return to school, stating that penalties will be introduced.

“Penalties will be implemented, requiring parents to either comply with the schedule or make personal arrangements to transport their children to school.”

NESA has indicated that the final group of boarding students is expected to return to school by January 6, 2025.

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The forum, themed “Educating and Qualifying Our Youth for a Prosperous, Integrated, and Dynamic Africa,” brought together African leaders to address key challenges in education and youth employment.

Kagame pointed to the vast potential of Africa’s growing youth population, describing it as a critical driver of economic growth.

“In just a decade from now, young Africans will represent the biggest share of the global population entering the workforce,” he said.

“We cannot let this opportunity go to waste. This generation has the potential of becoming a powerful engine for growth and prosperity—not just for Africa, but for the rest of the world.”

The Rwandan Head of State stressed the need to equip young people with skills aligned with modern labour market demands.

“What we need to do is equip these young people with the skills and expertise to meet the demands of the labour market,” Kagame noted, highlighting the partnership with UNICEF for digital skills and connectivity as a promising model.

Kagame also emphasized the importance of increased investment in education, citing Rwanda’s efforts.

“In Rwanda, we have increased the share of education spending in our budget from 11% in the year 2020 to 17.7% in the year 2024,” he stated.

Beyond increased funding, he highlighted the importance of quality reforms, saying, “The focus should be on quality if we want to see long-term results. This means training and hiring better-qualified teachers, modernizing the curriculum, and encouraging critical thinking rather than rote memorization.”

He further urged African nations to take ownership of their education strategies, reducing dependence on external support.

“Effective partnerships should not be confused with outsourcing responsibility or leadership. It is not a question about being big or small or having sufficient resources; it is about making the right choices. This is well within Africa’s means,” Kagame asserted.

Hosted by Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in collaboration with the African Union and UNICEF, the forum aimed to explore sustainable solutions to reduce the number of out-of-school children, improve learning outcomes, and prepare youth to tackle Africa’s challenges.

The president closed with a call to action, urging leaders to create opportunities that discourage risky migration in search of better prospects.

“As we speak, many young Africans are putting their lives in danger to go find better opportunities abroad. This is a sign that we need to do more to empower our youth,” he remarked.

“Africa is our common home, and we must ensure that every African has a future on this continent.”

The forum’s outcomes are expected to inform policies to revamp education systems and boost youth employability, strengthening Africa’s position in the global economy.

Among the leaders present at the forum were President Muhammadu Ghazouani of Mauritania, who hosted the event and currently chairs the African Union; President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria; and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Ted Chaiban, Deputy Director of UNICEF were also in attendance.

This growth reflects the expansion of Rwanda’s higher education sector, which has seen about 20 new institutions gain approval to operate in the country over the past seven years.

While some of these institutions offer specialized international programs, they are not the only schools drawing foreign students.

For instance, in October 2024, more than 8,000 students graduated from the University of Rwanda, 126 of whom were international students.

HEC data shows that in the 2017/2018 academic year, there were about 1,397 international students, with numbers now ballooning to over 9,100.

Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Technology, Culture, Sports, and Youth, HEC Director General Dr. Rose Mukankomeje highlighted both the successes and the challenges of this growth.

“The number of international students has increased, but some arrive with insufficient information about study requirements and face unexpected challenges,” she said.

To address this, HEC is working closely with immigration authorities to ensure that information on study requirements is readily accessible online and that students can secure visas upon arrival.

“No one should come as a tourist and then attempt to enroll in school,” she emphasized.

Dr. Mukankomeje also raised concerns about individuals who enter Rwanda under false pretenses, sometimes claiming to seek work but lacking proper employment documentation.

She noted cases where people with medical backgrounds enroll in unrelated courses, such as computer programming, as a strategy to obtain equivalency documents and ultimately secure employment.

In October 2024, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing the quality of education at the University of Rwanda, which continues to attract international students. He stressed that maintaining high educational standards remains a top priority.

Since 2017, the number of highly qualified faculty members with Ph.D. degrees has also seen substantial growth, increasing from 776 to 1,195 in 2024.

The students shared their testimonies during an event organized to celebrate their graduation from various institutions on September 27, 2024. This is the fourth such event for scholars hosted by FAWE in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

The graduates include 272 young women from low-income families, sponsored from their fourth year of secondary school through their university studies in various fields.

The group comprises 125 former students from the University of Rwanda (UR) and 147 from INES Ruhengeri, all of whom received their degrees at the end of 2023.

Mpinganzima Lydivine, who studied medicine at INES Ruhengeri, said FAWE Rwanda acted as a bridge to achieving her dreams.

She stated, “It was difficult to find the means to study. FAWE was like a parent to us from secondary school and turned our dreams into reality. As someone from a rural area, I never thought it would be possible.”

“We will use what we’ve learned to uplift the broader community and help others in rural areas build the confidence to succeed in completing their education.”

Shimwa Uwase Sylvie, who studied computer science at the University of Rwanda, shared that the support FAWE Rwanda provided helped her secure a job in her field.

She said, “After completing my studies, I secured a job in my field, and now I train youth in entrepreneurship, specifically in software development.”

“I’m delighted that FAWE helped me pursue studies in technology because it was my dream to be one of the women contributing to the technology sector, which our country prioritizes.”

Mutoro Antonia, the FAWE Rwanda representative, encouraged the graduates to work hard and continue developing themselves while also giving back to the community, noting that 75% of them have already secured jobs.

She said, “We expect them to become women leaders who believe in their ability to help other girls advance. We also have programs that help them gain confidence in public speaking and becoming role models.”

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Irere Claudette, highlighted FAWE Rwanda’s role in promoting girls’ education.

She said, “The first FAWE school in Rwanda, founded in 1999, began by teaching girls and encouraging them to believe in their ability to study science, which they often feared, and to speak up when facing challenges. Since then, many have passed through FAWE’s programs, and both the school and FAWE’s initiatives have grown.”

Irere also addressed parents who still abandon their daughters when they become pregnant, telling them that “having a child does not mean life is over. She gives birth, but she should continue her education. If you don’t support her, she won’t be able to help her child in the future.”

FAWE began operating in Rwanda in 1997 and started sponsoring students in 2013 in partnership with Mastercard Foundation.

Since then, 12,000 girls have received school sponsorship, including over 800 who have gone on to university. The organization plans to begin sponsoring boys from disadvantaged families starting next year.

This came during a high-level meeting held on Wednesday under the theme “Investing in Tomorrow: The African Union Year of Education Catalyzing Progress for Africa and the World,” the AU said in a statement.

Addressing the meeting, Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat underscored the critical need to guarantee access to quality education for all Africans, with a particular focus on the marginalized and most vulnerable groups, mainly young girls and people with disabilities.

Noting that the education sector in Africa is often the most affected by instabilities caused by conflicts, Faki called for the protection of educational facilities and emphasized that education should serve as a beacon of hope and an engine of progress.

“Education empowers individuals, strengthens communities, builds nations, breaks the chains of poverty, and lays the foundation for a prosperous and equitable society. The African Union’s commitment to prioritizing education reflects our unwavering belief that knowledge provides the power to break barriers, challenge societal norms, and create a more equitable world,” the AU statement quoted Faki as saying.

Jakaya Kikwete, former Tanzanian president and board chair of the Global Partnership for Education, stressed that investing in education is an investment in securing a better future for Africa.

“Achieving the Africa we want hinges on our commitment to invest in young Africans. Too few governments are meeting the global benchmark of spending 15 to 20 percent of national budgets on education. Yet, the returns on education are immense — a 1 percent improvement in learning outcomes can translate to a 7.2 percent increase in annual economic growth,” Kikwete said, adding that an educated and skilled population could boost per capita income in Africa by 50 percent by 2050.

Claver Gatete, executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that education in Africa needs a revolution.

The high-level meeting, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, is a recognition of the AU theme of the year 2024: Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa.

Dr. Murigande’s career has been extensive, having served as the former Rector of the National University of Rwanda, Minister of Education, and most recently as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement at the University of Rwanda. Despite retiring, he remains actively involved in education as Chairman of the Board at Kepler College.

In addition to his contributions to education, Dr. Murigande has had a distinguished political career, holding positions such as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Japan, Secretary General of the RPF-Inkotanyi party, and ministerial roles in Foreign Affairs, Transport and Communications, Education, and Cabinet Affairs.

Improving the quality of education

According to Dr. Murigande, the term “quality education” is often used without a full understanding of what it entails or how to achieve it. He likened it to preparing a meal, where quality ingredients are essential for success. In education, the most crucial “ingredient” is the teacher.

“A well-trained, passionate teacher who views teaching as a calling, and is equipped with the necessary tools, can have a significant impact. Even under challenging conditions, a great teacher can deliver excellent results,” he emphasized.

Dr. Murigande also highlighted the importance of effective school management, discipline, and student focus as key factors for improving education. Additionally, he pointed out the impact of teacher-to-student ratios, noting that smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention, leading to better outcomes.

He challenged the notion that Rwanda’s education system was better in the past, explaining that such comparisons are flawed. For example, Rwanda once had only 50,000 secondary school students in total, meaning that only 5% of primary school graduates advanced to secondary education.

Today, access to secondary education is far more widespread, and the top 5% of current graduates are just as competitive globally as their counterparts from prestigious universities like Cambridge and Oxford.

“What has shaped people’s perception of declining education quality is the democratization of education. As more students enter the system, not all have the same abilities. Our focus now should be on raising the capabilities of all students going through the system,” he stated.

Dr. Murigande suggested several measures to address these challenges, including ensuring that all teachers are well-qualified. He acknowledged that while progress cannot be made overnight, improving teacher quality is essential for long-term success.

He also reflected on past practices where lower-performing students were often channeled into teacher training, but noted that the Ministry of Education has corrected this, now admitting top-performing students into the profession.

Although there are still teachers who entered the system before these reforms, Dr. Murigande advocated for additional training to improve their skills and ensure they can meet today’s educational demands.

Leadership changes in the Ministry of Education

Dr. Murigande also discussed why the Ministry of Education has experienced frequent leadership changes, with 17 ministers serving in the last 30 years, including the most recent appointment of Joseph Nsengimana.

He attributed these changes to the government’s recognition of education as a cornerstone for national development. “No development is possible without quality education, which produces individuals capable of addressing the country’s challenges and implementing solutions,” he noted.

Given education’s critical role, Dr. Murigande explained that when expectations are not met, the government doesn’t wait passively for improvements. Instead, it acts swiftly, changing leadership in hopes of finding new approaches to deliver better results.

While acknowledging that leadership changes can sometimes cause short-term disruption, Dr. Murigande views them as calculated risks.

“You could leave things as they are, but that might not lead to progress. Change, though disruptive at first, can often bring about the faster results we need once the right solutions are found,” he observed.