Any time the story of the IGAD region is told, the narrative of challenges, conflict, instability and human crisis always takes prominence, often overshadowing the immense potential and growth prospects. With a youthful, diverse population and a growing momentum for good and inclusive leadership, the future of the region is full of possibilities.
Unlocking this potential and actualising the possibilities requires more than just ambition. It demands visionary and inclusive leadership as well as a commitment to empower those who have historically been left behind—women and youth. The two groups are under-represented in leadership and decision-making processes despite them forming the majority of the population in the region. For instance, various studies have shown that women’s political participation in Africa remains relatively minimal, reflected in the low representation in the governance spaces. The same rings true for the youth. Paradoxically, despite Africa being the youngest continent by population, its leadership remains largely old. In the IGAD region, the youth make up more than 60% of the total population, a vibrant demographic that can drive economic transformation and peacebuilding. However, the region is yet to reap a demographic dividend from the “youth bulge”.
For women and youth to participate meaningfully in leadership, they must possess the requisite skills, knowledge, and access to resources that empower them to effectively contribute to decision-making processes. Acknowledging that leadership setbacks are at the heart of the various challenges facing the region, IGAD set out to address the root cause by establishing the IGAD Leadership Academy (ILA). The Academy was mandated to bridge the leadership gap by equipping our future leaders with critical skills fit to navigate through the challenges of a developing society while fostering inclusivity.
ILA’s mission is rooted in IGAD’s conviction that Africa needs home-grown solutions to its problems. When women and youth are equipped with practical leadership, peacebuilding, and decision-making skills backed by a gender-responsive and youth-centric curriculum, the region will have a new cadre of future leaders who are innovative, resilient, and responsive to the needs of their communities.
Breaking barriers
Through targeted programs, the Academy endevours to provide women with the tools and skills they need to overcome the systemic and cultural barriers that have long excluded them from leadership. Leadership training, mentorship and networking opportunities, as well as creating safe spaces for dialogue and peer learning, are just some of the approaches of the Academy in preparing women to take on leadership roles in politics, governance and peacebuilding. This initiative is grounded in findings that when women are included in leadership and decision-making, communities experience more sustainable development, reduced conflict, and improved social cohesion.
Looking ahead
It’s no secret that high unemployment rates, limited access to education, and a lack of opportunities for meaningful participation in decision-making processes have left many young people in the region feeling disillusioned and excluded. This hopelessness has birthed a resistance among the youth as they push for youth-oriented policies and representation in governance. ILA will tap into the potential of this group to ensure that the region can enjoy the demographic dividend. The Academy will not only provide the youth with leadership skills and mentorship, it will also amplify their voices in regional and national dialogues.
By investing in the youth, ILA does more than address the immediate challenges facing young people. It builds a critical pool of future leaders equipped to seize opportunities and drive sustainable development.
A leadership culture
ILA appreciates that leadership development is not a one-time event but a continuous process that requires reinforcement and support. To foster a leadership culture, sustained networking and peer-learning, the Academy will build a community of alumni who continue to support each other and mentor the next generation of leaders, creating a ripple effect and better awareness of good governance.
