Our story
How ASG began
In 2022, H.E. Paul Kagame and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn envisioned a graduate institution that would redefine public policy and leadership education in Africa, one built to nurture purpose-driven leaders equipped to shape the continent’s future. From that vision, the African School of Governance was born. Working alongside a distinguished advisory group and in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, a dedicated team designed ASG’s strategic and academic model from the ground up. ASG exists to bridge the gap between policy design and implementation across Africa, driven by the conviction that the continent’s progress depends on leaders who combine evidence-based thinking, strategic clarity, and transformative leadership to deliver home-grown solutions that work.
Vision and mission
Our vision and mission
ASG’s vision is to nurture a prosperous and peaceful Africa led by purpose-driven leaders equipped with the mindsets, knowledge, and skills to advance sustainable development for all.
ASG’s mission is to develop leaders who drive Africa’s sustainable development by delivering innovative public policy education, producing cutting-edge research, and providing a platform for policy engagement that promotes transformative governance grounded in the continent’s unique values and opportunities.
Our values
Our values
Six values shape how ASG teaches, researches and engages.
Leadership
Leading with vision, integrity, mindsets and purpose to transform the continent.
Excellence
Striving for the best in education, governance and academic standards.
Africa
Inspired by the histories, dreams and experiences of Africa’s peoples.
Determination
Driving forward changes to take on Africa’s biggest challenges and opportunities.
Engaged
Listening and responding to the needs of people, experts and governments.
Resourceful
Combining knowledge and talent from across the continent and the world.
Accreditation
Accreditation and quality assurance
The African School of Governance is officially accredited and granted legal personality by the Government of Rwanda under Ministerial Order Nº 001/MINEDUC/2025, effective 6 January 2025, affirming the excellence and integrity of our academic programmes in public policy, leadership, and governance.
Partners
Working together
ASG’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation supported the design of the institution’s strategic and academic model from the ground up. ASG also collaborates with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at the National University of Singapore, one of the world’s leading public policy schools.
Looking ahead, ASG will actively pursue international affiliations with other leading institutions worldwide, ensuring its students and faculty remain connected to a global network of expertise and innovation.
- Founding partnerMastercard Foundation (opens in a new tab)
- Further partners
Our campus
Our campus
ASG is based at the Zen Building in Nyarutarama, Kigali.
ASG’s campus is at the Zen Building in the Nyarutarama area of Gasabo District, Kigali. It is a working academic environment: seminar rooms, study spaces, and offices for faculty and staff.
Kigali is the administrative and political centre of Rwanda and a regional hub for the continent’s institutions. Studying here puts students within reach of government, regional bodies and the continent’s policy community.
P.O. Box 6239, Kigali-Rwanda
Zen Building, KG 47 Ave 9, Nyarutarama, Gasabo District
Leadership
Founders and leadership
H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
- Francis Gatare — President
- Ngozichukwu C. Njemanze — Programme Director, Executive Master of Leadership and Governance
- Dr. Jane Adhiambo Chiroma — Director of Academic Affairs and Associate Professor
The Governing Board
Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and former Minister of Finance and Economy of Senegal.
Former President of the African Development Bank.
Former Professor at the University of Carthage and Legal Counsel of the African Union.
Former Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
President, African School of Governance.
Contact
Get in touch
P.O. Box 6239, Kigali-Rwanda
Zen Building, KG 47 Ave 9, Nyarutarama, Gasabo District