We are delighted to introduce the 2024 cohort of the African Mayoral Leadership Initiative (AMALI) City Leadership Programme – a gathering of forward-thinking city leaders poised for a transformative journey.
The AMALI City Leadership Programme is a comprehensive, year-long initiative providing support and mentorship to city leaders with the potential to significantly improve the lives of their communities. Tailored to refine their visions for urban development, participants receive guidance from experienced coaches known for their transformative leadership, including former heads of government, government ministers and mayors. Throughout the program, city leaders gain a deeper understanding of the essential teams and tools needed to execute their plans effectively while rallying support from constituents and stakeholders.
AMALI introduced the 15 exceptional members of its 2024 cohort from nine African countries; leaders who have been selected for their ambition and vision to improve their cities:
- Abdoulaye Thimbo, Mayor of Pikine, Senegal
- Barthélémy Toye Dias, Mayor of Dakar, Senegal
- Christopher Habeenzu, Mayor of Chongwe, Zambia
- David Coltart, Mayor of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
- Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, Mayor of Accra, Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana
- Jones Kalyati, Mayor of Ndola, Zambia
- Joseph Jama Ole Lenku, Governor of Kajiado County, Kenya
- Njikho Musuku, Mayor of Mansa, Zambia
- Ordin Bedri Hamdogn, President of Harari National Regional State, Ethiopia
- Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, Governor of Kisumu County, Kenya
- Queen Omagano Kamati, Mayor of Windhoek, Namibia
- Sakaja Arthur Johnson, Governor of Nairobi City County, Kenya
- Siyad Abdi Ahmed, Mayor of Jigjiga, Ethiopia
- Wild James Ndipo, Mayor of Blantyre, Malawi
- Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone
The 2024 AMALI program kicked off with an immersive four-day leadership forum hosted at the University of Cape Town from January 29th to February 1st. Throughout the forum, city leaders delved into deeply engaging sessions with mentors and advisors, shaping their visions for urban development. (See a full list of AMALI advisors here.) The forum served as a platform for exchanging insights and experiences in steering bold transformation initiatives.
Edgar Pieterse, ACC Founding Director and Co-Chair of the AMALI Board emphasized the importance of providing support to African leaders that recognizes the diverse challenges and opportunities present across the continent:
“AMALI takes into account the unique conditions of African cities, as well as the demanding, complex, and exhilarating challenges that lie ahead for our continent. Building prosperity and ensuring a better future for all people across Africa begins with supporting our leaders in local and regional government.”
Jamie Cooper, AMALI Board Co-Chair and Chair and President of Big Win Philanthropy reflected on the 2024 AMALI City Leadership Forum’s purpose and the anticipated impact on participants:
“Well-planned urban centers are widely acknowledged as pivotal contributors to national well-being and economic prosperity. The vibrancy, ambition, and deep commitment of this AMALI cohort to improving their cities and bettering the lives of citizens is exceptional. Given the trajectory and pace of growth of its cities, this quality of leadership bodes well for the continent.”
With the establishment of the AMALI peer-to-peer network, city leaders now belong to a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to overcoming challenges and inspiring progress.
You can learn more about AMALI here.
