Strengthening Strategic Government Partnerships Through the Umholi we Africa Fellowship

Good governance is the foundation upon which stronger institutions, effective systems, and inclusive societies are built. It shapes how governments respond to challenges, how policies create impact, and how public institutions serve the people they represent. When institutions are led by ethical, capable, and service-driven leaders, they become better equipped to drive sustainable development and build resilient communities.

This belief is central to AL for Governance Umholi we Africa Fellowship, a leadership programme that places exceptional young African leaders within public institutions to contribute to national priorities while developing the next generation of values-driven public servants committed to strengthening governance across the continent.

Lesego Otlhabanye (Al for Governance Program Manager) and  Barnabus Usman  ( Director of Sector Networks), visited Kenya to deepen strategic partnerships with government institutions and engage stakeholders on the future of ethical and inclusive governance. The visit highlighted the growing role of the fellowship in strengthening public sector leadership by connecting governments with emerging leaders equipped to contribute to complex national priorities.

The discussions centred on a shared commitment: How does building stronger partnerships between governments and leadership institutions develop more responsive, capable, and future-ready public institutions?

Leadership That Strengthens Institutions 

Together the team met with senior officials from Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry to reflect on the contributions of current fellows and explore opportunities for long-term collaboration.

At the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, officials recognised the impact of  Jacob Zecha whose work with the Asia Trade Desk has supported Kenya’s international trade agenda. His participation in official government delegations to Pakistan and China demonstrated the value of placing emerging leaders within institutions where they can contribute directly to national priorities. For the Ministry, Jacob’s experience reinforced the importance of investing in young professionals who bring fresh perspectives, technical skills, and a commitment to public service. The Ministry expressed interest in hosting additional fellows in future cohorts, reflecting the growing confidence in the fellowship as a partner in strengthening institutional capacity.

At the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, discussions highlighted the contributions of Brian Owino and explored opportunities to expand collaboration around climate leadership, technical fellow placements, and youth-led innovation. The engagement reflected a shared understanding that addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges requires institutions to develop and embrace diverse leadership talent.

A Shared Vision for Africa’s Future

This visit reaffirmed that leadership development and institutional strengthening must move together. Developing individual leaders is important, but creating opportunities for those leaders to contribute within public systems is what enables lasting impact.

As governments across Africa seek innovative, ethical, and capable leadership, the Umholi we Africa Fellowship continues to serve as a bridge between emerging talent and institutions shaping the continent’s future. Through strategic partnerships, meaningful placements, and a commitment to public service, the fellowship is helping build a generation of leaders who not only understand governance, but actively contribute to improving it.

Investing in young African leaders is ultimately an investment in stronger institutions, more effective governance, and a more prosperous future for Africa.