Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde Joins Rwanda Leadership Programme for African Women

Kigali, August 4, 2026 - Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde is in Rwanda for the launch of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, a new programme designed to strengthen the skills and leadership capacity of women seeking greater roles in African politics and public life.

The programme was launched in Kigali on August 3 through a partnership involving the African School of Governance, the United Nations Development Programme, the African Union Commission and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), of which Sahle-Work is a founding member. It seeks to equip aspiring women leaders with practical knowledge, mentorship and leadership skills through structured courses, discussions and professional development activities.

Speaking at the launch, Sahle-Work said the initiative should go beyond preparing women to compete for political positions. She emphasized the need to develop leaders capable of strengthening institutions, improving governance and delivering meaningful change in their communities and countries. She also called for greater solidarity among women leaders, saying cooperation and experience-sharing could create a lasting support network across Africa.

The programme’s first cohort comprises 40 women selected from more than 1,300 applicants. The participants, drawn from different African countries, include representatives of government institutions, political parties, African Union institutions and civil society organizations. They will undergo four weeks of training combining online learning with in-person sessions in Kigali.

Sahle-Work brings extensive diplomatic and political experience to the initiative. She served as Ethiopia’s president from 2018 to 2024, becoming the first woman to serve as the country’s head of state after being elected by Parliament. Before her presidency, she served as Ethiopia’s ambassador to several countries and represented the country in international organizations, including through her tenure as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi.

Since leaving the presidency, Sahle-Work has continued advocating for women’s participation and leadership in Africa. She remains involved in the African Women Leaders Network and serves as one of the honorary chairs of the organization, supporting efforts to expand women’s influence in political and institutional leadership across the continent.