Emerging Public Leaders Alumni Form a Network for Regional Collaboration, Learning, and Support
Nairobi, Kenya - The inaugural gathering of the Emerging Public Leaders Alumni Network capitalized on the presence of alumni representatives from Kenya, Ghana, and Liberia by sharing learnings from the three countries’ fellowship programs and establishing goals for the nascent association of graduates from Africa’s premier leadership program for public servants. Brought together for three days in Nairobi concluding March 6th, the three dozen alumni on site represented more than 400 EPL alumni across Africa.
The group formed a diverse cadre from various government ministries, departments, agencies, and specialties. Their various experiences during the fellowship and within their country alumni associations allowed for a fruitful discussion to improve programming for current fellows and inform the short-term goals and vision for the Alumni Network.
That vision is a network of ethical, citizen-centric, and innovative pan-African leaders in the public service who are dedicated to driving change and solving critical issues in Africa.
To pursue the vision, the group decided on several near-term goals to establish and sustain the Alumni Network:
Selecting an interim body of representatives to lead the formal establishment of the Alumni Network governing body
Hold elections for a formal governing body
Develop a strategic plan and activity schedule for the Alumni Network
At the close of the gathering, those present selected interim representatives Abigail F. Coker (Liberia), Husein Pumaya Yakubu (Ghana), and Esther Wanjiru Ngure (Kenya). The representatives then selected a date for their first meeting to review the collected notes from the conference, draft a strategic plan, and outline the steps to elect a formal governing body.
During the closing dinner and award ceremony, Emerging Public Leaders and partner programs in Liberia, Ghana, and Kenya honored and awarded the success of individuals dedicated to the vision of the Alumni Network. The teams recognized two Alumni from each country for their outstanding contributions to the public service and the fellowship programs:
GHANA
Irene Osei-Owusu, Public Investments and Assets Division, Ministry of Finance
Husein Pumaya Yakubu, National Service Personnel, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
KENYA
Stephanie Kusa, Human Resource Management and Development Officer, the Office of the President under the State Department for Devolution
Jacob De' Kiage, Senior Adult Education Officer, Ministry of Education
LIBERIA
Hh. Zaizay, Project Search Lead, Montgomery County Government, Maryland / United States of America
Ciata Stevens d’Almeida, Executive Director, President’s Young Professionals Program
The impact of the Emerging Public Leaders Alumni Network will continue to grow as more cohorts graduate from existing programs and the program expands to more countries. In addition to the network’s stated goals, the first-ever gathering achieved a critical objective of any alumni organization: building connections across borders, gender, age, sector, and any other perceived boundary. At this inaugural gathering, the greatest success was that the Alumni met in person, shared their stories, and found commonalities among their peers that will ensure they remain connected to support, challenge, and celebrate their unfolding careers in the public service.
Editor’s Note
About Emerging Public Leaders
Emerging Public Leaders is a public service leadership organization that is preparing the next generation of competent and effective public sector leaders in Africa. EPL partners with governments and local organizations to rigorously identify 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. Learn more about EPL on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
