About the course
The Transformative African Leadership programme is where Africa’s future is thought, challenged and shaped. TAL brings together leaders who engage critically with the systems that define power, knowledge and development. It challenges dominant narratives and re-examines global frameworks through African lenses. Participants learn to navigate and redefine the forces shaping the continent — sustainability, geopolitics, industrialisation, value chains, artificial intelligence and economics — within the trajectories of AfCFTA, the SDGs and Agenda 2063. Rooted in African values and inspired by the continent’s knowledge systems, TAL reimagines leadership as a collective and conscious act; one that connects insight with responsibility and vision with impact.
Online and In-person components:
- The online platform we will be using is Amathuba.
- The in-person component will take place through Residencies in Kenya (Nairobi) in September 2026 and in Morocco (Rabat) in May 2027.
- Between September 2026 and May 2027, candidates will follow an asynchronous learning journey, which we will host on Amathuba, with live sessions on Microsoft Teams.
Course Content
- Critical Thinking Approach
- African Knowledge Systems and Leadership Philosophy
- Democratic Governance and Security Threats
- Democratic Development Challenges
- Sustainable Development, SDGs & Agenda 2063
- AfCFTA
- Industrialisation, Economic Systems, & Regional Value Chains
- Climate Change and Africa's Leadership Imperative
- Geopolitical Global Perspectives
- AI & Its Impact on Africa's Development
Registration
Applicants complete an application form, and a selection process determines who will be offered places on the programme.
Applications are invited from:
Professionals committed to advancing African-European cooperation with a strong focus on the green transition, climate action and sustainable development.
Managers and executives in the public sector, in non-governmental organisations, and in impact-driven international businesses working to address current sustainable development and transition challenges.
Minimum requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree
Are engaged in, or have influence over, strategic decision-making within your organisation.
Candidates begin by applying for enrolment into the programme. Once this is done, the TAL Coordination Committee reviews the application and conducts interviews.
After this, shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview with the Coordination Team. Once this is done, the selected candidates are informed of the decision and must make a payment to confirm and secure their place.
Register online
The criteria:
- Be an African
- No academic Qualification is required
- Ability to attend both residencies and ability to take part in the online asynchronous sessions.
- Proficient in the English Language
- Be a mid-career professional with exceptional leadership skills.
- Area of profession linked with any of the AfCFTA Regional Value Chains
More Information
Read more: Transformative African Leadership Programme
Email: hannah.diaz@uct.ac.za
Phone: +27 (0)21 650 1459
REGISTER WITH THE NELSON MANDELA SCHOOL OF PUBLIC GOVERNANCE
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