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The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) is dedicated to building the capacity of visionary and strategic leadership across Africa. Through its flagship program, the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship, AFLI develops exceptional leaders from all spheres of society, fostering a dynamic network committed to Africa's transformation and global prominence.
About Us
The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) was founded by Sean Lance and Peter Wilson with the aim of addressing the "leadership gap" in Africa. Sean Lance, a successful South African businessman, and Peter Wilson, who had been working with the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP), decided to establish an institute that would build the capacity of leadership on the continent. This idea was conceived in 2001 and materialized with the establishment of AFLI as a UK Charity in 2003.
The institute's flagship program, the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship, was developed in partnership with Oxford University. The program focuses on emerging African leaders from all sectors and backgrounds in the age range 25-39. The goal is to develop leaders who would not only lead in Africa but also within a changing global context.
The AFLI was initially funded by Novartis, and later received sponsorship from Investec, Roche Pharmaceuticals, and Eskom. The first Tutu Fellowship Programme was launched in 2006 with 19 participants. Despite initial challenges, the program was successful and set a high standard for future cohorts. The quality and breadth of nominations for the Tutu Fellowship have grown year by year, with over 300 nominations from over 30 different African countries now received annually.
The AFLI has since established a base in South Africa and continues to work towards developing a prosperous, equitable, and inclusive continent through leadership development.
The institute's flagship program, the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship, was developed in partnership with Oxford University. The program focuses on emerging African leaders from all sectors and backgrounds in the age range 25-39. The goal is to develop leaders who would not only lead in Africa but also within a changing global context.
The AFLI was initially funded by Novartis, and later received sponsorship from Investec, Roche Pharmaceuticals, and Eskom. The first Tutu Fellowship Programme was launched in 2006 with 19 participants. Despite initial challenges, the program was successful and set a high standard for future cohorts. The quality and breadth of nominations for the Tutu Fellowship have grown year by year, with over 300 nominations from over 30 different African countries now received annually.
The AFLI has since established a base in South Africa and continues to work towards developing a prosperous, equitable, and inclusive continent through leadership development.
The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) envisions building a critical mass of visionary, strategic, self-aware, and ethical leaders across Africa who will act as catalysts for the continent's transformation. The mission of AFLI is to identify, nurture, and equip Africa's future leaders with the necessary experiences, insights, and tools to develop African-led solutions for Africa's challenges. AFLI provides a platform for diverse young African leaders to engage in peer-to-peer learning, accountability, and cross-border collaborations. In partnership with leading academics and global leaders, AFLI facilitates opportunities for these young leaders to create a new Africa.
The Tutu Fellowship values include:
Openness and Respect
The fellowship encourages curiosity, respect for all perspectives, compassion, empathy, and transparency. It promotes self-awareness through candid feedback and fosters real dialogue to understand different viewpoints.
Integrity and Courage
The fellowship values courageous authenticity, standing for truth even under duress. It cultivates resilience, encourages risk-taking, and promotes accountability for one's own failings.
Ubuntu
Recognizing interconnectedness and interdependence, the fellowship seeks win-win, inclusive outcomes. It is committed to creating environments where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, can thrive.
Passion and Positive Impact
The fellowship encourages focused energy and commitment, inspiring others to live their full potential. It holds itself accountable for having a positive impact in pursuit of its mission and celebrates life and humanity with joy.
Higher Purpose
The fellowship values the capacity to be 'deeply disturbed' and has a passionate desire to achieve positive transformation in Africa. It aims to change what it can to enable Africa to share its unique source of magic with the world.
Openness and Respect
The fellowship encourages curiosity, respect for all perspectives, compassion, empathy, and transparency. It promotes self-awareness through candid feedback and fosters real dialogue to understand different viewpoints.
Integrity and Courage
The fellowship values courageous authenticity, standing for truth even under duress. It cultivates resilience, encourages risk-taking, and promotes accountability for one's own failings.
Ubuntu
Recognizing interconnectedness and interdependence, the fellowship seeks win-win, inclusive outcomes. It is committed to creating environments where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, can thrive.
Passion and Positive Impact
The fellowship encourages focused energy and commitment, inspiring others to live their full potential. It holds itself accountable for having a positive impact in pursuit of its mission and celebrates life and humanity with joy.
Higher Purpose
The fellowship values the capacity to be 'deeply disturbed' and has a passionate desire to achieve positive transformation in Africa. It aims to change what it can to enable Africa to share its unique source of magic with the world.
The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) believes that Africa's development challenges, including governance, education, health, infrastructure, and gender equality, can be attributed to a lack of effective, cohesive, and ethical leadership across all levels and sectors of society. Given the changing global power dynamics, financial uncertainty, environmental pressures, and social change, AFLI sees the development of African leaders as the most effective way to create more opportunities for the continent.
AFLI's model focuses on nurturing and guiding the next generation of leaders, creating a network of alumni across all sectors of society and the entire continent. The institute targets high-potential individuals who are expected to make a significant impact across Africa. Its flagship Archbishop Tutu Fellowship Programme targets a limited number of nominated candidates annually, while the Leadership For Change Programme offers a shorter-term intensive course to a broader cross-section of potential young leaders.
AFLI focuses on the 25-to-40-year-old generation of emerging leaders, a demographically large percentage of Africa’s population. It welcomes participants who are dissatisfied with the status quo, passionate about the continent, and leaders seeking to positively impact Africa’s future development. Through its programmes and network of graduates, AFLI is addressing Africa’s leadership deficit by supporting those who understand the responsibilities of being compassionate and considerate leaders. Over the years, AFLI has produced many Tutu Fellows, many of whom now hold influential positions in business, government, and civil society in Africa and globally.
AFLI's model focuses on nurturing and guiding the next generation of leaders, creating a network of alumni across all sectors of society and the entire continent. The institute targets high-potential individuals who are expected to make a significant impact across Africa. Its flagship Archbishop Tutu Fellowship Programme targets a limited number of nominated candidates annually, while the Leadership For Change Programme offers a shorter-term intensive course to a broader cross-section of potential young leaders.
AFLI focuses on the 25-to-40-year-old generation of emerging leaders, a demographically large percentage of Africa’s population. It welcomes participants who are dissatisfied with the status quo, passionate about the continent, and leaders seeking to positively impact Africa’s future development. Through its programmes and network of graduates, AFLI is addressing Africa’s leadership deficit by supporting those who understand the responsibilities of being compassionate and considerate leaders. Over the years, AFLI has produced many Tutu Fellows, many of whom now hold influential positions in business, government, and civil society in Africa and globally.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize Winner and a global icon of moral and just leadership, is the patron of the African Leadership Institute (AFLI). His values and philosophy are at the heart of the organization.
In 2017, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation and AFLI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that bestowed legacy status on AFLI and the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Programme. This MoU formally recognizes the important role of the Institute and the Fellows in perpetuating Archbishop Tutu's legacy and upholding his cherished values – integrity, morality, ubuntu, and servant leadership.
Archbishop Tutu consistently encouraged each cohort of Tutu Fellows to stand up against societal evils, create positive opportunities for others, and drive the transformation of Africa. He emphasized that caring, humility, vision, and passion are hallmarks of great leaders.
On December 26, 2021, AFLI mourned the death of Archbishop Tutu. In a statement, Tutu Fellows acknowledged the honor and responsibility of bearing his name and committed to uphold the values and ideals he espoused - ubuntu, servant leadership, integrity, humility, compassion, and courage. They pledged to continue speaking truth to power, as Tutu did throughout his life.
In 2017, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation and AFLI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that bestowed legacy status on AFLI and the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Programme. This MoU formally recognizes the important role of the Institute and the Fellows in perpetuating Archbishop Tutu's legacy and upholding his cherished values – integrity, morality, ubuntu, and servant leadership.
Archbishop Tutu consistently encouraged each cohort of Tutu Fellows to stand up against societal evils, create positive opportunities for others, and drive the transformation of Africa. He emphasized that caring, humility, vision, and passion are hallmarks of great leaders.
On December 26, 2021, AFLI mourned the death of Archbishop Tutu. In a statement, Tutu Fellows acknowledged the honor and responsibility of bearing his name and committed to uphold the values and ideals he espoused - ubuntu, servant leadership, integrity, humility, compassion, and courage. They pledged to continue speaking truth to power, as Tutu did throughout his life.
The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) is managed by a small team responsible for creating, managing, coordinating, and developing the institute's programmes and alumni network, as well as conducting its daily business affairs. The team includes:
Sean Lance (Co-Founder & Chairman, AFLI United Kingdom): Former Chairman & CEO of Chiron Corporation and COO of Glaxo-Wellcome.
Trevor Manuel (Deputy Chairman & Chairman of SA Board):
Served as a Cabinet Minister for 20 years under the first four Presidents of democratic South Africa and produced the country's first National Development Plan.
Peter Wilson (Co-Founder & Co-Director of Programmes):
Founder & Director of Programmes at AFLI; ran his own Management Consulting company, PRB Consulting.
Jackie Chimhanzi PhD (CEO):
A development finance strategist passionate about Africa's development. She was featured on Forbes 2012 20 Youngest Power Women of Africa list.
Judy Malan (Programme Director of the Tutu Leadership Programme):
An independent consultant who works with senior teams at large institutions and systems. She is a 2006 Tutu Fellow.
Lamide Johnson (Tutu Fellowship and Calestous Juma Leadership Programme Executive):
A programme manager, leadership coach, and learning expert who believes in leveraging innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships for Africa's economic prosperity.
Jessica Breda (Tutu Fellowship Programme Officer):
Manages the administrative tasks of the Tutu Fellowship and other programmes. She is responsible for administering the Tutu Leadership Programme nomination process.
Norman Smit (Communications consultant and websites administrator):
CEO of Coherent Marketing and helped start up South Africa's 1st independent prime-time TV news broadcast, eNews.
Sean Lance (Co-Founder & Chairman, AFLI United Kingdom): Former Chairman & CEO of Chiron Corporation and COO of Glaxo-Wellcome.
Trevor Manuel (Deputy Chairman & Chairman of SA Board):
Served as a Cabinet Minister for 20 years under the first four Presidents of democratic South Africa and produced the country's first National Development Plan.
Peter Wilson (Co-Founder & Co-Director of Programmes):
Founder & Director of Programmes at AFLI; ran his own Management Consulting company, PRB Consulting.
Jackie Chimhanzi PhD (CEO):
A development finance strategist passionate about Africa's development. She was featured on Forbes 2012 20 Youngest Power Women of Africa list.
Judy Malan (Programme Director of the Tutu Leadership Programme):
An independent consultant who works with senior teams at large institutions and systems. She is a 2006 Tutu Fellow.
Lamide Johnson (Tutu Fellowship and Calestous Juma Leadership Programme Executive):
A programme manager, leadership coach, and learning expert who believes in leveraging innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships for Africa's economic prosperity.
Jessica Breda (Tutu Fellowship Programme Officer):
Manages the administrative tasks of the Tutu Fellowship and other programmes. She is responsible for administering the Tutu Leadership Programme nomination process.
Norman Smit (Communications consultant and websites administrator):
CEO of Coherent Marketing and helped start up South Africa's 1st independent prime-time TV news broadcast, eNews.
Sean Lance (Co-Founder & Chairman): Former Chairman & CEO of Chiron Corporation and COO of Glaxo-Wellcome.
John Greensmith: Former Chief Executive of Plan International’s global operations and Chief Executive BP Africa.
Michael Stone: Lawyer, former senior legal advisor for GlaxoSmithKline. Rhodes Scholar.
Allen Zimbler: Semi-retired. Former Chief Integration Officer for the Investec Group and Executive Director of Investec Bank Plc.
John Greensmith: Former Chief Executive of Plan International’s global operations and Chief Executive BP Africa.
Michael Stone: Lawyer, former senior legal advisor for GlaxoSmithKline. Rhodes Scholar.
Allen Zimbler: Semi-retired. Former Chief Integration Officer for the Investec Group and Executive Director of Investec Bank Plc.
Trevor Manuel (Chairman): Chairman of Old Mutual Ltd.
Sean Lance (Vice Chairman): Former Chairman & CEO of Chiron Corporation and COO of Glaxo-Wellcome.
Peter Wilson: Co-Founder & Director of Programmes of AFLI; ran his own Management Consulting company, PRB Consulting. Rhodes Scholar.
Olugbenga Adesida: Economist and Strategy & Development Consultant. Currently advisor to several Ministers in the Cape Verde government.
Jacqueline Chimhanzi: AFLI CEO, Archbishop Tutu Fellow.
Swaady Martin: African Luxury brand YSWARA founder & CEO; also started and runs the YSWARA Foundation, and Archbishop Tutu Fellow.
Lai Yahaya: Lawyer, economist and public policy adviser to the Nigerian government, and international donor agencies. Archbishop Tutu Fellow.
Caryn Solomon: Former head of Organisation Development, Investec Group, and a core faculty member of the Tutu Fellowship Programme.
Sean Lance (Vice Chairman): Former Chairman & CEO of Chiron Corporation and COO of Glaxo-Wellcome.
Peter Wilson: Co-Founder & Director of Programmes of AFLI; ran his own Management Consulting company, PRB Consulting. Rhodes Scholar.
Olugbenga Adesida: Economist and Strategy & Development Consultant. Currently advisor to several Ministers in the Cape Verde government.
Jacqueline Chimhanzi: AFLI CEO, Archbishop Tutu Fellow.
Swaady Martin: African Luxury brand YSWARA founder & CEO; also started and runs the YSWARA Foundation, and Archbishop Tutu Fellow.
Lai Yahaya: Lawyer, economist and public policy adviser to the Nigerian government, and international donor agencies. Archbishop Tutu Fellow.
Caryn Solomon: Former head of Organisation Development, Investec Group, and a core faculty member of the Tutu Fellowship Programme.
The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) seeks guidance, advice, and support from a select group of successful, experienced leaders who share AFLI’s goals of a better future for Africa. This group forms the advisory board, which is truly global and ensures AFLI can access the views of esteemed leaders from different parts of the world. This helps keep AFLI at the leading edge of developing and mobilizing the leadership talent that exists on the continent.
Vivienne Cox (CBE): Has wide experience in the energy, natural resources, and publishing sectors. She worked for BP plc for 28 years and was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2016.
Maureen Erasmus: A top executive with an international career spanning more than 30 years in management consultancy, investment banking, and wealth management.
Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili: Currently Senior Economic Advisor for Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative (AEDPI), a programme of the Open Society Foundations. She is a co-founder of Transparency International and served as Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Solid Minerals and then as Federal Minister of Education.
Dr. Donald Kaberuka: Former President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). He had a distinguished career in banking, international trade and development, and government service.
Prof. Carlos Lopes: An Honorary Professor at Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance Faculty of Commerce University of Cape Town; a Visiting Professor at Sciences Po, Paris, and Associate Fellow at Chatham House, London and 2022 Fellow at Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford.
Prof. Ngaire Woods: The inaugural Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government and Professor of Global Economic Governance at the University of Oxford. She is founder and Director of the Global Economic Governance Programme and co-founder of the Oxford-Princeton Global Leaders Fellowship Programme.
Vivienne Cox (CBE): Has wide experience in the energy, natural resources, and publishing sectors. She worked for BP plc for 28 years and was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2016.
Maureen Erasmus: A top executive with an international career spanning more than 30 years in management consultancy, investment banking, and wealth management.
Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili: Currently Senior Economic Advisor for Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative (AEDPI), a programme of the Open Society Foundations. She is a co-founder of Transparency International and served as Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Solid Minerals and then as Federal Minister of Education.
Dr. Donald Kaberuka: Former President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). He had a distinguished career in banking, international trade and development, and government service.
Prof. Carlos Lopes: An Honorary Professor at Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance Faculty of Commerce University of Cape Town; a Visiting Professor at Sciences Po, Paris, and Associate Fellow at Chatham House, London and 2022 Fellow at Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford.
Prof. Ngaire Woods: The inaugural Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government and Professor of Global Economic Governance at the University of Oxford. She is founder and Director of the Global Economic Governance Programme and co-founder of the Oxford-Princeton Global Leaders Fellowship Programme.
Our Offerings
The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) uses a comprehensive approach to leadership development that includes theory, sharing experiences from successful leaders, experiential learning, practical applications, and assignments in an Oxford-style tutorial environment. The learning process maintains a balance between personal development, self-reflection, and the African context of leadership, with a significant focus on the values and ethics of leadership. In accordance with the principles of servant leadership, participants are required to undertake a community-based project, thereby extending the benefits of their learning to the broader community. The program emphasizes peer interaction and feedback, recognizing that leaders need to understand how they are perceived by those they lead.
The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) provides a range of opportunities for its members, including:
Thought-leadership and speaking opportunities: Members can share their insights and experiences at various events and platforms.
Advocacy opportunities: Members can champion causes and issues they are passionate about.
Networking opportunities and network memberships: Members can connect with other leaders and join relevant networks.
Access to projects, causes, and campaigns: Members can participate in various initiatives that align with their interests.
Collaborating with like-minded peers on projects: Members can work together on projects of mutual interest.
Accountability to peers for the values of the Tutu Fellowship: Members are held accountable to uphold the values of the fellowship.
Job opportunities: Members may have access to job opportunities within the network.
Pan-African exposure: Members gain exposure across the African continent.
Access to invitations to attend multinational meetings and conferences: Members can participate in important international events.
Leadership of, and participation in, multi-country organisations and projects: Members can take on leadership roles in various organisations and projects.
International exposure: Members gain visibility on a global scale.
Opportunities for ongoing debate and knowledge-exchange: Members can engage in intellectual discussions and share knowledge.
Profiling in the media: Members may receive media coverage.
Greater visibility for consideration for awards: Members may be considered for various awards.
Consideration for selection as board members or trustees to high profile companies/organisations: Members may be considered for board positions in high-profile organisations.
AFLI offers a range of programs to develop Africa’s emerging and exceptional leaders, including the Archbishop Tutu Fellowship Programme and Programmes for Third Parties.
Thought-leadership and speaking opportunities: Members can share their insights and experiences at various events and platforms.
Advocacy opportunities: Members can champion causes and issues they are passionate about.
Networking opportunities and network memberships: Members can connect with other leaders and join relevant networks.
Access to projects, causes, and campaigns: Members can participate in various initiatives that align with their interests.
Collaborating with like-minded peers on projects: Members can work together on projects of mutual interest.
Accountability to peers for the values of the Tutu Fellowship: Members are held accountable to uphold the values of the fellowship.
Job opportunities: Members may have access to job opportunities within the network.
Pan-African exposure: Members gain exposure across the African continent.
Access to invitations to attend multinational meetings and conferences: Members can participate in important international events.
Leadership of, and participation in, multi-country organisations and projects: Members can take on leadership roles in various organisations and projects.
International exposure: Members gain visibility on a global scale.
Opportunities for ongoing debate and knowledge-exchange: Members can engage in intellectual discussions and share knowledge.
Profiling in the media: Members may receive media coverage.
Greater visibility for consideration for awards: Members may be considered for various awards.
Consideration for selection as board members or trustees to high profile companies/organisations: Members may be considered for board positions in high-profile organisations.
AFLI offers a range of programs to develop Africa’s emerging and exceptional leaders, including the Archbishop Tutu Fellowship Programme and Programmes for Third Parties.
The Tutu Leadership Fellowship Programme is the flagship leadership development programme of the African Leadership Institute (AFLI). It is designed for Africa's highest potential young leaders across various sectors. The part-time, six-month programme includes two 9-day group learning modules with distinguished leaders and faculty, held in South Africa and the UK.
The programme is designed specifically for African leaders and adopts Oxford University's famous tutorial style. It provides an intensive learning experience on the principles and application of leadership, exploring the issues and characteristics of leadership in Africa, as well as the global challenges and dimensions of an African leader.
The programme emphasizes experiential learning rather than teaching, and values peer interaction and feedback. It includes group projects where participants develop solutions for Africa's challenges, and individual projects that participants submit in a year-end dissertation for peer review.
Upon completion, Tutu Fellows are expected to play active roles in their communities and become part of an exclusive network of Africa's future leaders. They are expected to attend AFLI alumni events and act as ambassadors for the Fellowship.
The selection process for the programme is rigorous and thorough. Candidates must be African citizens, currently living in Africa or temporarily abroad for work or education. They should be committed to living in Africa and contributing to its long-term success. The programme targets leaders aged 30 to 40, and only nominated candidates are considered for admission. The nomination and selection process is conducted online.
The programme is designed specifically for African leaders and adopts Oxford University's famous tutorial style. It provides an intensive learning experience on the principles and application of leadership, exploring the issues and characteristics of leadership in Africa, as well as the global challenges and dimensions of an African leader.
The programme emphasizes experiential learning rather than teaching, and values peer interaction and feedback. It includes group projects where participants develop solutions for Africa's challenges, and individual projects that participants submit in a year-end dissertation for peer review.
Upon completion, Tutu Fellows are expected to play active roles in their communities and become part of an exclusive network of Africa's future leaders. They are expected to attend AFLI alumni events and act as ambassadors for the Fellowship.
The selection process for the programme is rigorous and thorough. Candidates must be African citizens, currently living in Africa or temporarily abroad for work or education. They should be committed to living in Africa and contributing to its long-term success. The programme targets leaders aged 30 to 40, and only nominated candidates are considered for admission. The nomination and selection process is conducted online.
The African Leadership Institute's Project Pakati is an initiative aimed at broadening the scope and impact of young leaders in Africa. The project's goal is to harness the collective influence of Africa's young leaders by building a networking platform and a community that can reach a critical mass to impact the issues that Africa faces. The term "Pakati" is a Bantu word meaning 'centre', which reflects the project's objective of making young leaders more visible in Africa's journey.
The project is funded by the Ford Foundation and works with leadership organisations across Africa to build this networking platform. The Youth Advisory Board, composed of eminent young Africans and AFLI staff members, provides strategic inputs and overall guidance for the project.
Project Pakati has also partnered with the African Union Office of the Youth Envoy on the Joint Youth Inclusion Project, which advocates for best practices in terms of policies and actioning youth inclusivity in African governance.
The project's leadership works with a range of organisations to advance young people so that they can effect positive change across the continent. The Ford Foundation grant provides funding for capacity to AFLI to build partnerships with other leadership organisations so that collectively young leaders and leadership organisation alumni can reach critical mass in key areas to change the course of the development of the continent.
The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) focuses on building the capacity and capability of visionary and strategic leadership across the continent. Its flagship programme is the prestigious Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship, which is awarded annually to 20-25 carefully chosen candidates, nominated from across Africa.
The project is funded by the Ford Foundation and works with leadership organisations across Africa to build this networking platform. The Youth Advisory Board, composed of eminent young Africans and AFLI staff members, provides strategic inputs and overall guidance for the project.
Project Pakati has also partnered with the African Union Office of the Youth Envoy on the Joint Youth Inclusion Project, which advocates for best practices in terms of policies and actioning youth inclusivity in African governance.
The project's leadership works with a range of organisations to advance young people so that they can effect positive change across the continent. The Ford Foundation grant provides funding for capacity to AFLI to build partnerships with other leadership organisations so that collectively young leaders and leadership organisation alumni can reach critical mass in key areas to change the course of the development of the continent.
The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) focuses on building the capacity and capability of visionary and strategic leadership across the continent. Its flagship programme is the prestigious Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship, which is awarded annually to 20-25 carefully chosen candidates, nominated from across Africa.
Tutu Fellows by Class Year
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