Africa is endowed with immense potential: its natural resources, young, dynamic and more and more aware population, as well as its large size and strategic positioning. However, transforming the continent requires visionary, inclusive, innovative, ethical, and accountable leadership that aligns with its realities and aspirations, supported by efficient management. This is in line with the vision of an "Integrated, Prosperous, and Peaceful Africa," as defined by the African Union's Agenda 2063.
To achieve this ambition, a group of African leaders and managers who have successfully led or contributed to transformations in various institutions and , and continue to do so, has set up the Center of Excellence for Leadership and Management for Africa’s Development (CELMAD). CELMAD is a "Think-Act" institution designed to develop a combined approach to leadership and management that is innovative and contextually relevant. The center aims to foster a critical mass of leaders and managers from all sectors, with a special focus on women and youth as drivers of change.
The institution builds on Africa’s historical and cultural specificities while integrating the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (AI, Big Data, Deep Learning, smart connectivity). CELMAD aspires to unlock Africa’s potential to ensure the continent plays a key role in addressing global challenges—peace, demographics, urbanization, diversity and inclusion, employment, inequalities, climate change, global governance, and equitable partnerships—using Africa’s transformation as a lever for a better world.
CELMAD offers products and services focused on co-research, training, advocacy, and support for systemic and inclusive change. It invites synergies to build a better Africa for a more just and prosperous world.