New partnership with Government of Sierra Leone
Emerging Public Leaders co-developing new public sector leadership program for young public leaders in Sierra Leone
Kampala, Uganda - Emerging Public Leaders and the Government of Sierra Leone met in November to put the final touches to a new partnership agreement that will open up new opportunities and youth employment for young leaders in the public service. The meeting was the culmination of a partnership development process led by the Office of the Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, the Office of the Civil Service, the Public Service Commission, and the Office of the Public Service Reform to bring Emerging Public Leaders’ flagship fellowship program to Sierra Leone.
In attendance were leadership from the Government of Sierra Leone and Emerging Public Leaders: Honorable Amara Kallon, Minister Of Public Administration and Political Affairs; Sumailah John, Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet of Sierra Leone; Kalilu O. Bah, Chairman of Public Service Commission, Abigail Kajumba, Executive Director of EPL; and Richard Okai, Director of Programs and Learning of EPL.
This important event, on the sidelines of the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) 43rd Roundtable, affirmed both parties’ commitment to co-creating a fellowship program that identifies, trains, and mentors the next generation of civil service leaders based on EPL’s proven approach. This initiative will empower young professionals, especially women, with the skills, values, and leadership necessary to take on decision-making positions and become change-makers within the public sector.
Also present were partners from the Government of Ghana, Kenya as well as leadership from the President’s Young Professionals Program - a partner and inaugural model program in Liberia.
Emerging Public Leaders works closely with each government partner and our designated country partners in Liberia, Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, and has vigorously recruited, placed, and trained a diverse network of more than 500 young public service professionals. Upon completion of the program, fellows transition into permanent and meaningful roles in the public sector increasing youth inclusion in public governance.
Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, Head of the Civil Service of Ghana, and Ciata Stevens d’Almeida, Executive Director of PYPP and alumna of the program in Liberia, shared testimonials demonstrating the impact of the leadership training on young professionals’ performance and development, and their continued success long after graduation from the program.
During the meeting, Abigail Kajumba, Executive Director of Emerging Public Leaders reflected on the beginning of the partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone two years ago.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be officially signed by the end of 2024. Hon. Kallon spoke to partners present emphasizing the importance of Emerging Public Leaders’ support in identifying, training, and placing young leaders.
The signing of the MOU will be a significant milestone for Emerging Public Leaders’ partnerships with the Government of Sierra Leone - advancing goals of recruiting, training, and placing 1,000 fellows (50 percent women) by 2027. Fellows recruited in Sierra Leone will join EPL’s pan-African network of more than 500 young African public service leaders fostering innovation and driving change across the continent.
Editor’s Note
About Emerging Public Leaders
Emerging Public Leaders is a public service leadership organization preparing the next generation of competent and effective public sector leaders in Africa. EPL partners with governments and local organizations to rigorously identify young public service professionals who are committed to practicing and promoting good governance throughout Africa. With our support throughout their career journeys, this diverse network of leaders influences and strengthens their country’s institutions for delivering democracy with excellence, care, innovation, and integrity.
For more information about Emerging Public Leaders, please visit: www.emergingpublicleaders.org.
