Gaborone, Botswana, University leaders from over 60 RUFORUM member universities are gathering for a high-level Transformative Leadership Development Session for Mid and Senior University Managers, which is ongoing from 25th- 26th November 2025 during the 21st RUFORUM Pre- Annual General Meeting at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The two-day session, aims to strengthen leadership capacity across the RUFORUM network as institutions reposition themselves to drive Africa’s development agenda.
University leaders from over 60 RUFORUM member universities during high-level Transformative Leadership Development Session for Mid and Senior University Managers
The session brings together principals, deans, TAGDev coordinators, and ASEC partners from universities across the continent. Among the delegates is Egerton University, represented by Prof. Nancy Mungai, the TAGDev Program Coordinator, alongside institutional ASEC consortium leads; Dr Rebecca Yegon from Embu university, Dr. Grace Kamotho from Karatina University, Dr. Grace Kidere from Pwani University, Ms Pamela Nasimiyu from Baraka Agricultural College, Mr. Wallace Kairu from Nyandarua National Polytechnic & Mr. Kipkorir Bett from Dairy Training Institute . Their participation reinforces the university’s strategic commitment to transformative leadership, inclusive education, and innovation-driven development.
University leaders from over 60 RUFORUM member universities during high-level Transformative Leadership Development Session for Mid and Senior University Managers
The session was opened with emphasis on effective partnerships, and their essential role in advancing RUFORUM’s goals, highlighting the Mastercard Foundation as a key strategic partner. The ongoing leadership workshop reminds delegates that African universities must move beyond simply being together to truly working together if they are to harness the potential of the continent’s youthful population and secure their future in a rapidly changing world.
In his remarks, Mr. George Osure, the Mastercard Foundation representative,expressed confidence that participants would gain clarity on the distinction between leadership and management, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to deeper collaboration with RUFORUM. He noted that, “leadership requires empathy, agility, and the ability to inspire transformation at institutional and regional levels.” He envisioned an Africa where innovative products and services lower barriers for youth to enter business, particularly as formal job opportunities continue to shrink and commended RUFORUM for nurturing leaders within universities who are capable of steering the continent toward inclusive growth.
RUFORUM Executive Secretary Prof. Patrick Okori challenged delegates to reflect on self-awareness and institutional responsibility, reminding them that while managers ensure efficiency, leaders do the right thing. He also emphasized the need for leaders who think big picture, shape institutional culture, understand their environment, clarify mission, and invest in high-quality human capital. “Universities should adopt innovative approaches, question existing performance metrics, and work collectively to write a script that history will judge kindly.” he requested.
Prof. Anthony Egeru the Manager Skilling, Engagement for Community Development at RUFORUM emphasized that Africa must be seen as a shared destination, requiring strong accountability and continuous innovation within programs like TAGDev. He highlighted TAGDev 2.0’s African-led design, grounded in stakeholder needs and practical solutions. The program builds on the achievements of TAGDev 1.0, including the Botswana safflower CARP initiative, which strengthened seed systems, established farmer cooperatives, cultivated 10,000 hectares, and contributed USD 443 million to the economy.
This ongoing session outline’s RUFORUM’s vision to enhance leadership capacity through strategic planning, change management, governance, innovation, and collaborative action. Delivered through interactive methods, expert-led sessions, and ecosystem-wide engagement, the workshop equips leaders with tools to build universities that are inclusive, resilient, entrepreneurial, and aligned with Africa’s economic and social transformation priorities.
As TAGDev 2.0 accelerates implementation through Agrifood System and Entrepreneurship Consortia, student enterprise schemes, and value chain-centered approaches, the leadership session serves as a critical platform for shaping institutions capable of empowering young Africans and driving sustainable agrifood system transformation.
Written By:
Ian Kamau.
Communication Intern, TAGDev 2.0 Program, Egerton University.
