The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has announced the start of applications for the sixth cycle of its renowned AIG Public Leaders Programme, conducted in partnership with the University of Oxford. This initiative is designed to develop the leadership abilities of emerging public sector officials across Africa, providing them with the knowledge, strategies, and networks necessary to implement meaningful institutional reforms.
Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, the Foundation’s Executive Vice-Chair, explained that the programme is open to eligible public servants from all English-speaking African nations. Applications will close on April 12, 2026, and the programme is scheduled to start in October 2026. She emphasized that modern public service challenges are complex and require leaders who can think systemically, understand organizational dynamics, and execute changes that last beyond their tenure.
“Addressing public sector issues demands more than goodwill. Leaders must be equipped with the right skills, frameworks, and insights to create sustainable improvements. The AIG Public Leaders Programme is tailored to develop precisely these capabilities,” she stated.
Since its inception in 2021, the programme has delivered substantial outcomes. Alumni have designed and led more than 230 reform projects in various government departments and agencies. One notable example is Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, who introduced a secure digital reporting tool allowing survivors to safely document abuse and preserve evidence for legal action. Projects like these show the programme’s impact across diverse sectors, including health, education, agriculture, and finance, highlighting the importance of empowering leaders to drive change on the ground.
The six-month programme combines remote online learning with an immersive in-person module at Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. Selected participants attend at no personal cost, with the Foundation covering accommodation and meals during the residential segment. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including negotiation for public benefit, digital solutions for governance, institutional strengthening, and ethical leadership. Participants conclude the programme with a capstone project, applying their skills to real-life institutional challenges in their organizations.
Aig-Imoukhuede also pointed out that the programme fosters a continental network of public service leaders, encouraging collaboration and the exchange of best practices among participants. This network helps ensure that reforms initiated during the programme continue to evolve and expand after participants return to their home institutions.
By equipping public servants with practical skills, strategic insights, and peer support, the AIG Public Leaders Programme continues to nurture a generation of transformative leaders in Africa. The sixth cohort builds on the successes of previous groups, aiming to strengthen governance, improve institutional performance, and deliver tangible benefits to communities across the continent.
This initiative reflects the Foundation’s commitment to creating long-lasting public sector impact through leadership development, ensuring that capable, visionary, and ethical leaders are at the forefront of Africa’s governance transformation.
