Our Story
Building a network of highly trained young public sector leaders in Africa
Established in 2016, Emerging Public Leaders expanded the Public Service Fellowship program model of the President’s Young Professionals Program in Liberia, building a new network of highly trained young public sector leaders across Africa with the technical skills and leadership capacity to drive their countries to new levels of meritocracy, good governance, and efficient service delivery.
We are fortunate to have, as one of our founders, former president of Liberia, and Nobel Laureate, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – who together with philanthropist, Betsy Williams, saw the need for a ‘Presidential Young Professionals Program’ that would attract talent back to Liberia after a brutal civil war and rebuild the country.
“I have seen how difficult it is for a ministry to not have the capacity or the skills it needs to implement its goals and vision. At Emerging Public Leaders, we say that the civil service is the ‘secret sauce’ and we believe in the importance of investing in the infrastructure of the civil service itself.” - Betsy Williams (2018 Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend)
PYPP's first cohort launched in 2009. Over the last 15 years, the Liberia program succeeded through three peaceful presidential transitions, graduated more than 245 fellows, and supported the expansion of the program into Ghana in 2018, Kenya in 2020, Malawi in 2024, and soon Sierra Leone. Today, our pan-African network consists of more than 400 young public servants across five countries and continues to expand.
Our Mission
Emerging Public Leaders 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 influence and strengthen their country’s institutions for delivering democracy with excellence, care, innovation, and integrity.
Our Vision
A prosperous and equitable Africa, fostered by good governance.
Our Core Values
Integrity
We keep our word and act ethically.
Excellence
We uphold high-quality standards.
Citizen-centric Leadership
We promote effective and inclusive leadership as we help develop public servants who put citizens at the center of their work.
Partnership
We are responsive to country and community needs.
Accountability
We strive to exceed expectations and we transparently communicate our impact and efficiency to our stakeholders.
“By breaking down the barriers that have historically hindered young people’s and women’s leadership, we are paving the way for a new generation of leaders who embody the rich diversity of their countries and our continent. ”
