CEO's Message

Dear Friends of AFLI,

Welcome to another edition of our newsletter filled with exciting developments at the African Leadership Institute and within our network of Tutu Fellows.  As we embark on a new phase of deepening the impact of our work by fostering collective leadership, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Tafadzwa Taruvinga, as our new Alumni Manager. In that role, he will work closely with the alumni network to help convene them and help facilitate collaborations.  Indeed, the sum of the whole is greater than the parts and we are excited to see the potential of our alumni network ignited. 

I am also pleased to report that the Class of 2024 completed the first tranche of the programme in Stellenbosch, South Africa and, are now working on their assignments in preparation for the second segment of the programme in September at Oxford University and in London.

We have many Tutu Fellows’ appointments to celebrate – some African, some global – reflecting the calibre of the network.  As with all appointments, I hope and desire that the Tutu Fellows lead with distinction whilst holding onto the Fellowship’s values inspired by the late Archbishop Tutu, our founding Patron.  And, all the while, knowing they have a support base and disproving the age-old adage that “it is lonely at the top.”  In the words of 2013 Fellow, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, “In the midst of the vicissitudes of life, it’s a blessing to have such a community!”'

Finally, the past few months have been turbulent for 2016 Tutu Fellow, Succès Masra, PhD.  I first met Succès on the 2016 programme and marvel at his determination and journey, in eight years!  At the time of undergoing the programme, he was a Senior Economist at the African Development Bank. He left that position to start an opposition party, Les Transformateurs, in his native Chad and built sufficient momentum to become Chad’s popular and leading Opposition Leader; was detained several times and went into exile; negotiated his return back into the country; became Prime Minister of the Transitional Government to lead the country from military rule to civilian rule; and turned contender of the May 6 Presidential elections. He lost the election and conceded defeat following the Constitutional Council’s ruling stating there were no other legal means to contest the results. He resigned.  Chad is a complex and challenging country for many reasons.  Succès’ spirit, tenacity and courage are to be applauded, and I invite you to read his interview with The Atlantic Council where he had articulated his vision for Chad.  May his efforts not have been in vain and may they have sowed the seeds for a better Chad.

Till next time!

Warmly,

Jackie

The 2024 Tutu Leadership Programme Cohort

AFLI announced the 2024 Class of the Tutu Fellowship programme in April. From the more than 400 nominations received, the cohort included associates from Algeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

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The 2024 Tutu Fellowship Programme Workshop at Mont Fleur
 

In the embrace of Mont Fleur's natural beauty, the 2024 Tutu Associates embarked on their Fellowship journey from April 21st to 28th. The 24 came from 10 different African countries – from the shores of Cote d'Ivoire to the vibrant heart of Nigeria – each bearing a unique mix of experiences and aspirations.

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Tafadzwa Taruvinga joins AFLI as the new Alumni Manager

Tafadzwa Taruvinga joined AFLI in May as the new Alumni Manager.  He is an alumnus of Rhodes and Wits Universities in South Africa, and GIZ's Afrika Kommt Fellowship in Germany, and a published author.

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Succès Masra PhD on the future of Chad

2016 Tutu Fellow Succès Masra PhD outlined his views on Chad's transition to civilian rule in February in a wide-ranging interview with the Atlantic Council during his first visit abroad as then interim Prime Minister and ahead of the recently-held elections in May.  The interview spelled out the difficulties the civilian transition faces.  Succès was Interim Prime Minister during the transition to civilian rule and contested the election. His party lost, but the interview still provides good insights.

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Lengthy feature on Bosun Tijani, Nigeria's Communications Minister

The online news publication Rest Of World has done a lengthy feature on 2017 Tutu Fellow, Bosun Tijani PhD, titled: He was a tech rebel. Then he joined the government.  Calling him a celebrity in Nigeria's tech space, it outlined how the weight President Tinubu had given to the sector led to Bosun's appointment as the new Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

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Three Tutu Fellows Selected for 2024 Forum of Young Global Leaders

Three Tutu Fellows have been selected for the 2024 cohort of the 100 Young Global Leaders Forum. They are 2018 Fellows Judy Sikuza and Temi Marcella, and 2023 Fellow Melvyn Lubega. Twelve people from Africa were selected and a total of 80 across various regions.

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Bright Simons selected for 2024 Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Residency

2010 Tutu Fellow Bright Simons has been selected for a month-long residency by the Rockefeller Foundation at the Bellagio Center in Italy.  The first group of 2024 residents selected was announced in March. Since launching in 1959, the Bellagio residency program has welcomed more than 4,000 people from 130 countries, including 100 Nobel Laureates.

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Tarek Mouganie PhD chosen as a Yale World Fellow

2022 Tutu Fellow Tarek Mouganie PhD has been selected as a Yale World Fellow. Tarek is a Ghanaian founded digital bank that provides affordable and accessible services to micro and small and medium sized businesses, with nearly 90% of their customers previously unbanked.

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Several Fellows selected for the 2024 Climate Ambassadors Programme

Several Tutu Fellows have been selected for the 2024 cohort of the African Climate Ambassadors Programme.  The Africa Climate Ambassador's Programme is a joint initiative of Jacobs Ladder Africa (JLA), the African Leadership Institute, the Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A) and the Africa Centre. The organisations comprise the Africa Climate Action Advocacy Initiative, or ACAAI.

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25 Fellows attend the 2024 Skoll World Forum

25 Tutu Fellows descended on Oxford to attend the 2024 Skoll World Forum, which took place between 9 and 12 April. The Skoll World Forum is the foremost gathering of actors in the social sector ecosystem, and the Fellows attended in a variety of capacities including as part of leadership, moderators, panellists, and awardees.

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Mimi Kalinda launches book on using storytelling to enhance leadership

2017 Tutu Fellow Mimi Kalinda is launching her new book, Echoes of Influence: Harnessing the Power of Storytelling as a Leadership Strategy. She says the book is a guide to help leaders on how to use storytelling to inspire action through their narratives.

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Succès Masra PhD appointed interim Prime Minister of Chad

2016 Tutu Fellow Succès Masra PhD has been appointed transitional Prime Minister of Chad by transitional President General Mahamat Idriss Deby. Succès is the president of The Transformers party and has been a long-time opponent of the Deby dynasty.

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Liberian development bank appoints Christian Allison as new CEO

The Board of Directors of the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) has appointed 2008 Tutu Fellow Christian Allison as the bank's new President and CEO.  Christian has worked as a financial services regulator and risk management professional at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) for more than 21 years, before being selected for the CEO position at LBDI.

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Uzoma Nwagba appointed as the CEO of CreditCorp

2019 Tutu Fellow Uzoma Nwagba has been appointed by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu as the CEO of Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp).  CreditCorp is the government company with the mission of accelerating consumer credit access to 50% of working Nigerians by 2030.

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Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg PhD joins the Executive Board of the Global Crop Trust

2018 Tutu Fellow Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg PhD has been appointed to the Executive Board of the Global Crop Trust.  The Global Crop Trust implements the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and safeguards the world’s crop diversity for future food security.

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Netflix appoints Dorothy Ghettuba as Director of Content for Series and Film Africa

Netflix has appointed 2016 Tutu Fellow Dorothy Ghettuba as Director, Content (Series & Film) Africa.  The change in title adds additional responsibility and scope to her role at the streaming giant, where she has been working since 2019.

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Ndidi Nwuneli appointed as head of The ONE Campaign

Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli has been appointed the new President and CEO of The One Campaign.  ONE said that after an extensive search, the Board had selected Ndidi, who was in the Tutu Fellowship Class of 2006, as President and CEO. 

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One Fellow passes the baton to another at TIERS

The baton has been passed at The Initiative for Equal Rights from one Tutu Fellow to another.  Retiring board chair Bibi Bakare-Yusuf - who chaired the organisation for ten years - was replaced by Chude Jideonwo. Bibi is a 2008 Fellow; Chude a 2018 Fellow. 

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Ladé Araba joins African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership as VP

2014 Tutu Fellow Ladé Araba is joining African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) as Vice President Financial Services. AFAP is a non-profit social enterprise that collaborates with public and private sector partners to develop and strengthen inputs value-chains, and to deepen and broaden fertilizer markets across Africa.

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Ada Osakwe joins the board of the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund

2014 Tutu Fellow Ada Osakwe has been appointed to the board of AECF - the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund.  AECF is a non-profit development organization that supports innovative enterprises in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors to reduce rural poverty, promote resilient communities, and create jobs.

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Dr Stella Wairimu Bosire appointed as Interim Chair of Amnesty International Kenya

2023 Tutu Fellow Dr Stella Wairimu Bosire was appointed the Interim Chairperson of the Board at Amnesty International Kenya, effective 23 May 2024.  She has served as Vice Chair since 2023.

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Chude Jideonwo appointed Creative-in-Residence at the LSE

2018 Tutu Fellow Chude Jideonwo has been appointed as the first Creative-in-Residence at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The appointment is effective from September 2024.

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James Mwangi appointed to Rockefeller Foundation Climate Advisory Council

2009 Tutu Fellow, James Mwangi has been appointed as an inaugural member of The Rockerfeller Foundation Climate Advisory Council. The 111-year-old philanthropic organisation announced the creation of a new Climate Advisory Council in June 2024.

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Essay - Zambia at 60: Not yet Ubuntungwa

2014 Tutu Fellow Linda Kasonde, the Executive Director of Chapter One Foundation, has written an essay ahead of Zambia's 60th year of independence and asks: 'are we truly independent?'  She begins by referencing the freedom song by Keith Mlevhu that he sang 14 years after independence, called 'Ubuntungwa'.

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Tutu Fellows Directory

A complete listing of the Archbishop Tutu Fellowship in a fully-searchable directory.

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Support AFLI

Help support AFLI - or as Archbishop Tutu used to say: "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."

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