African Leadership Academy

Are you ready for the biggest cultural event at the Academy? From across Africa and around the world, we're celebrating 17 years of ALA's incredible cultural diversity. With over 40 countries represented, and Equatorial Guinea joining us for the first time, we're thrilled to celebrate ALA's cultural richness with you on September 13th. Don your Gcebesha, Dashiki, or Djellaba, and prepare to showcase your Utamaduni!

And just like that, the new school year is here! This weekend, we proudly welcomed our 17th class to campus. The Class of 2024 joins a dynamic network of over 1,600 young leaders from 47 countries across the continent, all driven by a shared mission: to address Africa's most pressing challenges. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we share more about the Class of 2024 and their exciting journey ahead.

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As the Class of 2024 begins their journey at ALA, we're excited to share some valuable insights for potential applicants of the Class of 2025! If you're a young leader or know someone who is, check out these FAQs to help guide you through the application process. Visit our website for more information, or take the leap and start your application to join the African Leadership Academy class of 2025 today!

Welcome back, Year 2s!

After a well-deserved break, our year 2s are back for their final year at the Academy. This week, they'll be diving into orientation and University Guidance week to help them prepare for their university applications before classes start.

In just a few days, our campus will be filled with even more energy as our Year 1 students arrive for the new school year. Here's to a great year ahead!

Applications for African Leadership Academy's Class of 2025 are now open!

We're here to guide you through the process and answer all your frequently asked questions, ensuring you're ready to hit START on your application journey.

Got more questions? Drop them in the comments below, and we'll be sure to get back to you.

Every year, ALA students lead BUILD-In-A-Box camps across Africa. In just 2 days, these camps equip young people with crucial Entrepreneurial Leadership skills to bring their ideas to life.

Kicking off the spotlight is South Africa! Two impactful camps there have already engaged over 75 motivated participants.

“Would it have mattered to the continent that you have lived?”

Letšabisa Motšoene reflected on this question as the student speaker from the class of 2022. Reflecting on her journey, Letšabisa challenged her peers to find their cause, pursue it relentlessly, and question if their lives will impact the continent.

Read Letsabisa’s full speech in the link on our bio.

At this year’s graduation, Danai Gurira proudly announced the Shaheen Jassat Scholarship, established to celebrate artistic expression, achievement, and emerging leadership in the arts across Africa. Each year, this scholarship will be awarded to a rising Year 2 student who demonstrates exceptional excellence and leadership in the arts. The inaugural Shaheen Jassat Scholarship was awarded to Khanya Ntobeko Madlala ’23 from South Africa. Khanya is a published writer and performing artist, most recently featured in “Divided We Stand, United by Land” at the Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts.

Each year, ALA honors four exceptional graduates for their outstanding leadership inside and outside the classroom. This year’s awards celebrate:

Leadership Award: Tiekoura Ouattara, Côte d’Ivoire
Sani Prize: Fabris Mulindi, Uganda
Spirit of Africa Award: Djomompinin Aim e Juliana Tuo, Côte d’Ivoire
Dean Christopher Khaemba Award for Academic Excellence: Lesley Machimbidza, Zimbabwe

Additionally, the Honorary Diploma in Leadership was awarded to Danai Gurira for her storytelling, vision, and passion for Africa.

Read more on the link in our bio!

‘Tambali’ is a Wolof word meaning ‘the beginning,’ thus marking the start of our graduation period. Hosted by the Graduation Committee a day before Graduation, Tambali is a celebration for the students by the students. This year, the event featured a captivating ‘My Story’ by Rajveer Singh Jolly ‘22 from South Africa, an encouraging speech to the Class of 2022 by Innocent Wambua ‘23 from Kenya, and a heartfelt farewell from Mr. Keshav Singh.

Just before graduation, students reflect on their leadership and academic journeys through the ALA thesis and various research presentations.

Each Year 2 student presents a thesis exploring an issue using the seven ALA Traits and reflecting on their growth as leaders. Dara Akinboboye ’22 (Nigeria) presented her thesis, ‘The Heart of Matter,’ using heart conditions as metaphors for personal and academic challenges. She compared time management to arrhythmia and academic struggles to coronary artery disease, emphasizing the importance of resilience.

Students enrolled in yearlong research classes had the opportunity to present their final projects. Scientific Research student Wilberforce Godwin Wilberforce ’22 (Tanzania) examined variations in amylase activity among different cereal grains, discovering that sorghum has the highest activity, followed by barley, millet, and maize. His findings suggest that enhancing amylase activity could improve food processing and nutrition.

On Thursday, ALA’s 15th class, the class of 2022, graduated from the Academy. Ninety-eight students walked across the stage, joining an alumni community of over 1,300 ALA graduates studying and working around the globe.

Danai Gurira, our guest of honor, stressed the need for rebellion against dominant systems, encouraging graduates to learn the rules only to break them and create their own paths.

Congratulations to the class of 2022! We are excited to see how you’ll use your passions and talents to shape the continent.

Missed the ceremony? Click the link in our bio!

It’s almost time to celebrate the next generation of African leaders! Today marks ALA’s 15th graduation. We’re incredibly proud of the Class of 2022 and excited for the positive impact they’ll make on the continent.

Can’t be there in person? Join the virtual celebration live on the ALA YouTube channel today, June 20th at 1:00PM SAST.

https://youtube.com/?si=Qg0eSVA_xNuPh-1E

Join us in celebrating the incredible faculty who dedicated themselves to nurturing the future leaders of our continent. As we prepare for graduation, the Academy bid farewell to these cherished members of our community. Your impact will be felt for years to come. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours!

The six ALA houses gathered once again, for a final showdown.

Nile, Niger, Congo, Volta, Tana and Zambezi.. all competing for the Maxe!

On the 25th of May, we had our last battle of the year. The Maxe is the final battle in the academic year, where both sister and brother halls collaborate to win in the name of their house.

After all three components, from the physical, to the mental, and finally a phenomenal cultural showcase, Volta emerged victorious!

17 days from now, our Year Two students will be graduating. As we approach this day, we congratulate the Residential Assistant Cohort of the Class ‘22 as we welcome the new cohort of Class ‘23.

The Residential Assistant role is a unique student leadership opportunity that comprises of 12 ethical enthusiastic young African leaders. These students not only lead their fellow students in the 12 halls of the residence, but also play a significant role in community building that preserves the ALA residential culture.

To the outgoing cohort, we appreciate the remarkable impact that you have left on our residential life. And to the new cohort, we believe that you are going to do exceedingly well.

Mark your calendars for the 30th of May 2024 as we proudly present “Things Left Unsaid”, our second play for the FEDA Festival. “Things Left Unsaid” explores loss and grief through physical theatre. This production graces the Lesedi stage at the famous Joburg Theatre. Don’t miss out on this incredible and moving theatrical experience!

ALA has continuously embarked on the journey of fostering and supporting students’ talents. On the evening of the 10th of May, ALA Creative Arts & Events hosted the last Art Exhibition and Music Concert of the academic year. The auditorium was filled with enthusiasm and happiness as students passionately showcased their fine art pieces and engaged in show-stopping performances. It was transforming to listen to students singing and playing a variety of musical instruments.

ALA has continuously embarked on the journey of fostering and supporting students’ talents. On the evening of the 10th of June, ALA Creative Arts & Events hosted the last Art Exhibition and Music Concert if the academic year. The auditorium was filled with enthusiasm and happiness as students passionately showcased their fine pieces of art and engaged in show-stopping performances. It was transforming to listen to students singing and playing a variety of musical instruments.

ALA is happy to announce our participation in the Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts ()! We’re bringing not just one, but THREE captivating plays to the stage!
 
First up, mark your calendars for Saturday, 18 May, as we proudly present ‘Divided We Stand, United by Land.’ This production will grace the Lesedi theatre stage at the iconic Jo’burg theatre. We are so proud of the work produced by our Drama students. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable theatrical experience!

We’re thrilled to announce that ALA students and alumni have been recognized by Cambridge
Assessment International Examinations for their outstanding performance in the May/June
2023 A-level examinations! This year, six ALA students and alumni were honored in the South
African Outstanding Learner Awards.
Congratulations to each of these students, as well as the dedicated teachers who guided them,
advisors who mentored them, and parents who supported them every step of the way.

We are ecstatic to announce that our guest speaker for the class of 2022’s graduation will be the profoundly gifted Danai Gurira!
 
Danai Gurira is a Zimbabwean actress and playwright, best known for her performances in various mediums. Her excellence emanates in every role she takes on, from her portrayal of Michonne in “The Walking Dead” to her powerful performance as Okoye in “Black Panther.”
 
Beyond her remarkable acting career, Gurira’s compassion is evident in her activism work, advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. She co-founded Almasi Arts, an organization dedicated to continuing arts education in Zimbabwe, demonstrating her commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the arts.
 
Throughout her journey, Gurira’s integrity remains resolute, whether on stage, screen, or in her advocacy efforts. Her humility is shown in her dedication to telling stories that uplift and empower marginalized voices.
 
We are privileged to have Danai Gurira join us to share her insights and experiences with the graduating class of 2022 on June 20, 2024.

For the past 10 years, ALAMAU has stood as one of the flagship pillars of ALA. From 20th to 24th March 2024, we hosted the 11th Session of the African Leadership Academy Model African Union conference themed “Pioneering a Youth-Driven Continent” in Johannesburg, South Africa with over 200 delegates from all over Africa and beyond.

Delegates engaged in constructive diplomatic discussions during the committee sessions and drafted the African Union Youth Charter which was later voted on by the Heads of States session on the last day. Delegates, advisors and ALAMAU staff also engaged in cultural celebrations through the Cultural and Gala nights, held discussions with diplomats from the African Union and explored Johannesburg.

ALA is a fully residential campus with all 260 students living in one of 12 halls in the Nelson Mandela Residence. In their houses, students are able to participate in competitions hosted by students enterprises like HOUSE! and Riyadha. The Academy has a wide range of cultural programs and sporting activities from Marimba, Alapella, African Dance to Basketball, Football and Netball to allow students to explore a variety of interests.

The ALA curriculum stands out from the rest. Alongside the Cambridge A-level classes in a variety of subjects, all students take ALA’s core curriculum, comprising of Entrepreneurial Leadership, African Studies, and Writing & Rhetoric. These courses empower young leaders with the knowledge and skills required for complex problem-solving.

ALA is more than a school. The Academy is dedicated to developing the next generation of African leaders who will transform the continent. Our core values lie at the centre of this mission, guiding our students beyond their time here.

A few weeks ago, Mr. Peter Mombaur who is one of our founders, visited ALA’s campus with his children, engaging in classes and joining our weekly assembly.
 
In 2005, Peter and the three other founders piloted ALA through the Summer Academy in Cape Town, hosting 70 students from 13 different countries. Nineteen years later, ALA has identified, developed, and connected almost 1,600 young people from 46 different countries.
 
Years ago, when Peter was asked why he and the other founders started ALA, he shared, “I founded ALA because it was the right thing to do.” Thank you, Peter, for visiting us and for all the work you continue to do to ensure that ALA achieves its audacious mission.

Excitement is in the air as our final academic term begins! Our yewan students are starting off the term with University Guidance Week. During this time they will delve deep into what the university application journey will look like. On the other hand, our yetu students have started their mock exams which will ensure they are prepared for their finals. With just 79 days to the Class of ‘22 graduation, the beginning of a new journey is near and our students are more than ready!

Peer Supporter’s Day 🎉

Peer supporters are year two students who assist year one students in successfully completing their first year with excellence and success.

A first of its kind, this PC Day created a festive atmosphere filled with games and prizes for families of peer supporters to have some fun during the March break, adding joy and excitement in preparation for the upcoming third term.