Rwanda this week opened a month-long leadership programme for 40 women politicians from more than 31 African and Caribbean countries, deepening its efforts to export its governance model as demand grows for greater female representation in political leadership across the continent.
Hosted by the African School of Governance (ASG), the programme brings together parliamentarians, ministers and other political leaders for executive training in leadership, governance, political campaigning and public decision-making.
The initiative builds on Rwanda’s international reputation for advancing women in politics. The country has the world’s highest proportion of women in parliament, a record often highlighted by development partners as evidence of its progress on gender inclusion. Organisers say exposing participants to Rwanda’s institutions and policymakers is intended to provide practical lessons that can be adapted in their home countries.
“Rwanda has the highest representation of women in leadership anywhere in the world, not just in Africa,” said Dr. Jide Okeke, Director of Programmes for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Africa. He said participants would spend the next month engaging with Rwandan leaders and institutions to gain first-hand experience in political leadership and governance.
ASG Chief Executive Francis Gatare said the training is part of the school’s executive education programme, designed to equip leaders with practical skills rather than academic qualifications. The curriculum includes campaign management, leadership development and governance.
Rwandan lawmaker Germaine Mukabalisa, one of the participants, said the programme would also create opportunities for women leaders from different countries to exchange experiences and build professional networks that extend beyond the classroom.
ASG said the course will be offered annually at no cost to participants. The institution, inaugurated in September 2025, was established following an initiative by President Paul Kagame and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to prepare a new generation of African leaders.
