A total of 51 students from 14 countries across Africa have been inducted as the inaugural cohort of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the newly established Africa School of Governance (ASG), its leadership announced on Monday, September 8.

Founded by President Paul Kagame and the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, the Kigali-based institution promises to revolutionize governance across the continent by offering world-class public policy education and research programs tailored to African realities.

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"Our Pan-African approach to governance education combines academic accuracy with cultural depth and Pan-African ethical leadership. This marks the beginning of a transformative journey,” Prof. Amany Elsharif, ASG Vice President for Academic Affairs, was quoted as saying in a statement announcing the MPA cohort.

The inaugural cohort comprises students from different countries, namely Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, South Sudan, Gambia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

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As it stands, the school said it was conducting its orientation week, from September 8-12, as part of its efforts to immerse students in ASG’s vision, mission, and Pan-African ethos, while fostering community, cultural exchange, and academic readiness.

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Throughout the week, students will be introduced to faculty introductions, career and internship opportunities, workshops, cultural celebrations, and a reflective visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a resting place to more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The students are also expected to participate in an academic boot camp from September 15-18. The camp will focus on policy skills, ethical leadership, community-building, and professional development, equipping students to navigate Africa’s governance challenges with innovation and integrity.

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A matriculation ceremony will be held on September 25, during which the commencement of the MPA program will be celebrated officially.

The institution has previously announced plans to position itself as a hub for research and policy development, fostering partnerships with governments, the private sector, civil society, and academic institutions across the continent and beyond.

Such plans include fostering a collaborative ecosystem that bridges academia, public policy, and private sector engagement to drive evidence-based policy solutions and initiatives for Africa’s future.