The African School of Governance (ASG) Governing Board on Thursday, October 30 evening announced the appointment of Francis Gatare as the institution's President, effective November 1. ALSO READ: Africa School of Governance a 'call to action initiative', says Gatare Gatare replaces Prof. Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu, who ended his tenure as the inaugural president in June. The institution appointed Prof. Amany El-Sharif as Vice President for Academic Affairs as part of the leadership transition. In selecting Gatare as President, the Governing Board noted that the ASG implementation journey is progressing well and that the current stage requires a leader most familiar with the founders' vision and who has been associated with the school long enough to ensure continuity of its purpose. ALSO READ: What will the proposed Africa School of Governance offer? Founded by President Paul Kagame and Ethiopia's former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, ASG was launched on January 14, 2025, and aims to revolutionise governance across Africa by offering world-class public policy education and research tailored to African realities. ALSO READ: African School of Governance announces first cohort I'm humbled and deeply honoured to step into this new role at the African School of Governance. Having been part of ASG's journey as a Board Member and inspired by its founders' vision, I share their unwavering commitment to nurturing a generation of African leaders grounded in integrity, pursuit of excellence, and public service, Gatare said in a related statement. He added, I am excited to continue this work alongside passionate colleagues and partners, and I look forward to working together in advancing ASG's mission of developing transformative leaders across Africa. The Governing Board said it was confident in the new appointment, noting that Gatare is not just a current member of the board, but also led the core technical team that shaped ASG's strategic foundation. Gatare, currently a Senior Advisor to President Paul Kagame, has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) from 2014 to 2017 and as CEO of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board between 2017 and 2021. From October 2009 to July 2014, he served as Principal Private Secretary to the President of Rwanda. He also held several other roles at the presidency, including Chief Economist and Deputy Head of Policy and Strategy. A professional economist, Gatare holds degrees from Makerere University and the University of Windsor in Canada, and is a Mason Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
