25 youths join IGAD’s inaugural leadership training cohort
The programme integrates the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework, focusing on inner qualities such as self-awareness, adaptability, critical thinking and collaboration.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has launched the first cohort of its Leadership Academy (ILA) Training at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa, aimed at nurturing a new generation of visionary leaders drawn from across the Horn of Africa.
A total of 25 young people have been selected from over 3,000 applicants to take part in the intensive programme set for four days.
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The ILA, backed by IGAD member states and the Government of Japan, is designed to equip young leaders with strategic, ethical, and transformative leadership skills. The launch was presided over by IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, who said the future of the region rests with its youth.
“This is not just a training, it is your call to lead. You are not here by chance,” Workneh told the participants.
“Out of more than 3,000 brilliant, passionate young people who applied from across the IGAD region, from the Great Horn of Africa and beyond, you were chosen. You were chosen not just for your intelligence, but for your potential. Not just for your voice, but for your vision.”
He said the IGAD region, home to over 260 million people, is rich in talent and culture, but faces challenges that require bold, collaborative leadership.
“By 2030, the African continent will be home to nearly one billion young people. This is not just a statistic. It is a reality that the future of our region rests in the hands of its young people,” he said.
He encouraged the youth to lead boldly, dream unapologetically and serve with integrity, noting that leadership is not about titles but service.
“You are the generation that will redefine what is possible. Through innovation, courage, and collaboration, you can change not only your communities but the entire region,” he said.
“At this Leadership Academy, you will gain knowledge, sharpen your skills, and build connections across borders. But the most important thing you will build... is belief. Belief in yourselves, belief in each other, and belief in the future of Africa.”
He thanked IGAD member states for supporting the academy’s operationalisation, calling it a shared regional priority, and expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for its vital role.
Japan’s representative at the event, Yukie Mochizuki from the Embassy of Japan in Kenya, congratulated IGAD for establishing the academy and reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to supporting peace, stability and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa.
She said the Horn of Africa faces complex and interdependent challenges, adding that achieving long-term peace requires a regional, multifaceted approach with the full participation of women and youth.
“The Japanese government firmly believes that peace, stability, and sustainable development are paramount. This is the core principle driving Japan’s commitment to the Women’s Peacebuilding Capacity Building Initiative in the Horn of Africa,” she said.
Mochizuki highlighted Japan’s engagements with IGAD, including a 2024 meeting between then Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Kamikawa and Dr Workneh, and a ministerial announcement at TICAD, followed by a regional workshop in Mombasa attended by participants from seven IGAD states.
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“This ILA Leadership Development Training programme forms a cornerstone of this initiative. It goes beyond mere knowledge acquisition. It aims to cultivate leaders equipped with practical skills such as strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making, while fostering strong ethical principles, a clear vision, and a deep commitment to democratic values,” she said.
The programme integrates the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework, focusing on inner qualities such as self-awareness, adaptability, critical thinking and collaboration.
According to Mochizuki, “The 25 participants selected for this programme represent the best and brightest from across IGAD member states. Their contributions will be invaluable in advancing peace, economic development, and resilient governance.”
She noted the training would also include mentorship and coaching, aiming to empower participants to take on leadership roles in their communities, organisations, and countries.
“We sincerely hope that the graduates of this programme will make significant contributions to the peace and development of the IGAD region,” she added.
The Authority noted that two additional cohorts are expected to be launched later this year.
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