The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) hosted the opening ceremony of the KOICA Youth Leadership Programme for Africa on August 3, 2026, bringing together 200 young leaders from Ghana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Senegal for a transformative leadership and capacity-building initiative.
The programme, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in partnership with GIMPA and Hanlim University, aims to equip emerging leaders from both the public and private sectors with the knowledge, skills, and networks required to address Africa’s complex development challenges.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Rector of GIMPA, Prof. Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of youth leadership in shaping Africa’s future. He described the programme as an opportunity not only for learning but also for fostering meaningful connections among young leaders across the continent.
“Africa is not one country, but it is one destiny,” he stated, encouraging participants to use the programme as a platform to build lasting partnerships, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions to shared challenges.
The Head of the Civil Service of Ghana, Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, congratulated the selected participants, describing their inclusion in the programme as recognition of their leadership potential and commitment to public service. He emphasized the need for innovative, well-trained, and globally minded leaders capable of addressing the “wicked problems” confronting societies today through collaboration and cross-sector partnerships.
Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh further urged participants to invest in continuous learning, exposure, and experience, noting that effective leadership requires lifelong personal and professional development.
Representing KOICA, the Country Director highlighted the programme’s innovative approach to leadership development. Unlike traditional short-term training initiatives, the programme combines online learning, in-country training, and a competitive pathway for outstanding participants to attend an advanced training programme in the Republic of Korea in 2027.
The KOICA representative also emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments, private sector actors, innovators, and communities in driving sustainable development and digital transformation across Africa.
The programme aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Korea–Africa relations and supports the aspirations of Africa’s Agenda 2063 by promoting leadership, innovation, regional cooperation, and sustainable development.
Participants are expected to engage in intensive learning sessions, share experiences across borders, and develop networks that will contribute to future collaboration and progress across the continent.
