The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has officially launched the IGAD Leadership Academy (ILA), marking a major step in nurturing young leaders across the Horn of Africa. Backed by the Government of Japan, the academy is designed to develop leadership capacity among youth, with a special focus on women, to foster peace, good governance, and regional development.
The inaugural Leadership Development Training, dubbed Cohort One, commenced this week in Mombasa, Kenya, bringing together 25 young participants selected from over 3,000 applicants across IGAD member states. The four-day intensive training emphasizes strategic thinking, communication, ethical leadership, self-awareness, and adaptability, integrating the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) to cultivate holistic leadership skills.
During the closing ceremony, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu delivered a passionate call to action. “Out of the more than 3,000 brilliant, passionate young people who applied…you were chosen not just for your intelligence, but for your potential,” he told the participants. “This is not just a training. This is a call to lead.”
Gebeyehu underscored the importance of nurturing visionary leaders capable of bridging leadership gaps and driving stability across the region. He urged the young participants to lead boldly, serve with integrity, and uphold the hopes of a region yearning for peace and progress.
Japan, a key partner in the initiative, reiterated its commitment to peacebuilding in Africa. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Yukie Mochizuki from the Embassy of Japan in Kenya lauded IGAD’s leadership in launching the academy. “The Horn of Africa faces serious challenges from ongoing conflicts and post-conflict transitions,” she said. “We need individuals who can lead with vision and integrity. That is why Japan is proud to support this important initiative.”
With a strong emphasis on inclusive leadership, especially the empowerment of women, the IGAD Leadership Academy is set to become a cornerstone of regional transformation. Japan’s continued support reaffirms the global recognition of Africa’s youth as key agents of change, ready to shape a more peaceful and prosperous future for the continent.
