UM6P spearheads pan-African initiative to drive Africa’s transformation

Friday 08 August 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

UM6P spearheads pan-African initiative to drive Africa’s transformation

University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), in partnership with key organizations, has launched "Lead," a pan-African initiative aimed at advancing Africa's growth by fostering public policy excellence and institutional development.

A collaborative effort for change

The initiative, hosted at UM6P’s Rabat campus, brings together partners such as the Africa CEO Forum, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and Afreximbank. Its primary objective is to equip civil servants with the tools and networks needed to create and implement transformative public policies that address Africa’s pressing challenges.

In a joint statement, the partners emphasized that while Africa has experienced economic growth over the past two decades, this progress has not translated into meaningful improvements in governance or the welfare of its citizens. Lead aims to bridge this gap by tackling structural issues in public service delivery and governance.

Transforming public policy

Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P, underscored the importance of institutional reform, noting that Africa often lacks the frameworks to convert ambitious visions into sustainable progress. “This initiative is about building systems that are responsive, rooted, and future-oriented,” he said, emphasizing UM6P’s commitment to fostering skills and networks to drive the continent’s transformation.

Amir Ben Yahmed, CEO of the Africa CEO Forum, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential of well-designed public policies to act as engines for economic transformation. Citing successful case studies from Brazil and Indonesia, he argued that Africa could achieve similar outcomes with robust governance frameworks.

Addressing Africa’s future challenges

The initiative also comes at a critical time, as Africa faces a host of challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the continent’s population is expected to double by 2050, further straining existing infrastructure and resources.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers opportunities for economic integration, but its success hinges on effective implementation and cross-border policy coordination. Lead seeks to address these challenges by cultivating a new generation of leaders capable of navigating complex issues and driving sustainable development.

By empowering policymakers, fostering collaboration, and addressing systemic gaps, Lead aims to position Africa as a global leader in socioeconomic transformation.