Rwanda Hosts Launch Of African Women Political Leadership Academy

Kigali, August 4, 2026 - Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde attended the launch in Rwanda of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, a programme aimed at strengthening the skills and networks of women seeking larger roles in African politics and public life.

The initiative 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, of which Sahle-Work is a founding member.

The programme is designed to provide practical training, mentorship and professional development through structured courses and exchanges. Sahle-Work said the academy should help prepare women not only to compete for political office, but also to strengthen institutions, improve governance and deliver change in their communities.

The first cohort includes 40 women selected from more than 1,300 applicants, with participants drawn from government institutions, political parties, African Union bodies and civil society organizations across the continent.