The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, in collaboration with four esteemed strategic partners—the Africa CEO Forum, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)—has announced the launch of LEAD, a transformative pan-African initiative designed to elevate excellence in public policy as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth throughout the continent.

The primary goal of the initiative is to nurture excellence in public policy among approximately 50 high-potential young civil servants from various African nations each year.

This endeavour draws inspiration from successful global examples, such as Brazil’s universal healthcare system coupled with digital public services, Indonesia’s effective local transformation strategy that made it a leader in nickel production, and India’s groundbreaking Aadhaar digital identity program that revolutionised financial inclusion.

LEAD aims to foster a pan-African network of emerging public leaders who share a unified vision of excellence in public service.

These individuals will collaborate to advance significant projects like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while addressing pressing demographic, climate, and industrial challenges. By positioning public leadership as a vital component of the continent’s economic infrastructure, the initiative aspires to galvanise collective action for progress.

This initiative arises in response to a pressing need: despite nearly two decades of continuous growth, Africa faces a critical shortfall in public services that hampers economic development and affects the quality of life for its 1.4 billion residents.

By placing sound economic governance at the forefront of Africa’s development agenda, LEAD seeks to close this gap and drive meaningful change across the continent.