African Leadership

Transformative African Leadership (TAL) Programme 2026 | Pan-African Executive Leadership Opportunity

Applications are open for the Transformative African Leadership (TAL) programme, a pan-African executive leadership initiative designed to equip African leaders to drive institutional transformation, economic integration and sustainable development across the continent.

The programme brings together four leading African universities to develop a new generation of leaders capable of working across borders, institutions and sectors. It is supported by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

About the Transformative African Leadership Programme

Transformative African Leadership is a collaborative initiative involving four academic institutions:

Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Public Policy School, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Morocco.
Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegal.
Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya.

The programme reflects a shared commitment to African-led transformation and strengthening leadership capacity to support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

It aims to prepare leaders to address complex political, economic and institutional challenges while contributing to Africa’s long-term development priorities.

What Does the Programme Offer?

TAL focuses on leadership development through critical thinking, collaboration and practical engagement with the systems shaping Africa’s future.

Participants explore issues including:

African economic integration and the AfCFTA.
Geopolitics and international relations.
Industrialisation and regional value chains.
Sustainability and sustainable development.
Artificial intelligence and economic transformation.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063.

The programme encourages participants to examine established approaches to leadership and development through African perspectives, knowledge systems and values.

Why Join TAL?

The programme aims to strengthen the leadership capabilities needed to advance Africa’s transformation.

Lead with Ubuntu: Develop a leadership approach grounded in African values, collective responsibility and collaboration.

Master complexity: Engage with real institutional challenges and develop new perspectives on complex development issues.

Advance African economic integration: Strengthen the ability to contribute to cross-border cooperation and AfCFTA implementation.

Build a continental network: Connect with leaders from different sectors, institutions and countries to encourage collaboration and shared learning.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is designed for mid-career African leaders who are already influencing decisions and want to expand their ability to work across institutions, economies and national borders.

It is particularly relevant to leaders interested in public governance, public policy, economic development, regional integration and institutional transformation.

Applicants should consult the official programme website for detailed eligibility requirements, programme structure and application instructions.

How to Apply

Applications are currently open. Interested candidates should visit the official Transformative African Leadership website to review the programme details and access the application process.

APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Conclusion

The Transformative African Leadership programme offers an opportunity for African leaders to strengthen their leadership capabilities, engage with continental development challenges and build connections across institutions and borders.

For mid-career professionals committed to public governance, economic integration and Africa’s development, TAL provides a platform to rethink leadership and contribute to shaping the continent’s future.