In advance of your visit, I wanted to share a quick personal update on what’s been happening at the African Leadership University (ALU). Here we go…

1,500 New Scholarships: Transforming the Lives of Africa’s Future Leaders

I’m thrilled to announce that ALU has secured 1,500 additional scholarships from the Mastercard Foundation. These scholarships represent life-changing opportunities for young women, refugees, and students with disabilities, providing them with access to a world-class education and a chance to transform their futures.

Alumni Spotlight: Dave’s Story of Impact and Innovation

Dave Kamara, an ALU alumnus from Sierra Leone, recently secured over $100,000 to launch a climate research academy in Liberia. His work is a testament to the leadership and innovation we strive to nurture at ALU. Dave is proving what’s possible when young Africans lead with purpose and passion.

ALU Students Lead the Way at BeChangeMaker 2024

Sekofia, founded by 2 ALU students, Ochong Johnson Aduma and Nino Chibuzor Nwachukwu, was crowned winner of the annual young entrepreneur program with an ingenious solution that promises to revolutionize healthcare access in Africa. Their SaaS platform proves to streamline health insurance processes, reducing administrative load by 90% and patient time-to-care by 95%.

Fred Swaniker Honored with Stanford’s 2024 President’s Award

Fred Swaniker, our visionary founder, was recently awarded Stanford University’s 2024 President’s Award for the Advancement of the Common Good. This is a moment of immense pride for all of us at ALU. Fred’s lifelong dedication to developing ethical and entrepreneurial leaders has inspired millions, and this award is a testament to the global impact he continues to make.

Welcoming Our 2024 Intake: 1,100+ Future Leaders Ready to Change Africa

This month, we welcomed our third intake of the year—over 450 students from 20+ countries across Africa. With more than 1,100 students joining ALU in 2024, the future of Africa has never looked brighter. These students represent a new generation of ethical, innovative leaders ready to drive transformation on the continent. Every one of them has a unique story, and we are thrilled to be part of their journey.

Our First Students from Afghanistan

We are overjoyed to welcome two extraordinary students from the School of Leadership Afghanistan (SOLA) to our campus. Their journey to Rwanda, shaped by resilience and a relentless pursuit of education despite the challenges they faced in Afghanistan, is nothing short of inspiring. These young women embody the courage and determination that ALU strives to cultivate in all our students. You can learn more about their incredible story through this video of Mosan.

VIP Visits: Sharing Our Vision with Global Leaders

This year, we’ve had the privilege of hosting several distinguished guests at our Kigali campus, including Gerald Chan of the Hang Lung Group. Their visits reflect the growing global recognition of ALU’s work in shaping Africa’s next generation of leaders.

What’s Next at ALU:

2024 Business of Conservation Conference

We’re just under a month away from the Business of Conservation Conference, happening from October 14-16. This year’s theme, “Everyone’s Business,” will bring together pioneers in conservation, business, and leadership. The focus is clear: transforming Africa’s natural capital into sustainable growth that benefits all. This event will be an incredible opportunity for collaboration, and we look forward to welcoming change-makers from across the globe.

Raise Her Voice Symposium: Empowering Young Women

The “Raise Her Voice Symposium,” happening January 20-22, 2025, is more than just an event—it’s a movement. This gathering of young women leaders and trailblazers across fields like STEM, fashion, and entrepreneurship is set to inspire the next generation of female changemakers in Africa.

Mauritius Campus Graduation: Celebrating Tomorrow’s Leaders

On December 4th, we’ll celebrate a milestone as 100 students graduate from our Mauritius campus. These young leaders are set to leave their mark on the world, equipped with the skills, mindset, and values to drive change in their communities and beyond. We’d love for you to join us in honoring their achievements.

How You Can Support:

Help Us Make the Next Decade Even Bigger: In 2025, ALU will celebrate its 10th anniversary—10 years of transforming education and empowering Africa’s next generation of leaders. Our Decennial celebrations will mark the launch of the $100 million “Next Decade Fund,” which will ensure ALU continues to grow and support thousands of additional students. Stay tuned for more information on how to help us shape the future.
Connect with Fred Swaniker at Key Global Events: Fred will be speaking at Dreamforce in San Francisco this week (Sept 17-19), UNGA / Climate Week in NYC (Sept 22-27), and the Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali (Oct 8-9). If you have any recommendations for key connections or meetings during these events, please let me know.
Mentorship Opportunities: Make a Difference in a Student’s Life: One of the most valuable ways you can support us is by sharing your expertise as a mentor. By guiding our students and alumni, you help empower the next generation of African leaders. If this is something you’re interested in, I’d love to discuss further.
Guest Speakers: Help Inspire the Next Generation: We’re always on the lookout for thought leaders to speak to our students. Whether it’s a virtual talk or an in-person session at our Rwanda or Mauritius campuses, your expertise can inspire our students and shape their futures. Let me know if you have anyone in mind!

Thank you for being an essential part of our community. I look forward to hearing from you and continuing this journey together!

Best,

Tom–
Tom Schmedding

African Leadership Group

[email protected]https://algroup.org/

(Mobile/WhatsApp) +1-919-924-8520

ALU Update