2023 Annual Leaders Gathering

Over the last 10 years, the LéO Africa Institute network of fellows and associates committed to championing public causes—including, a commitment to values-based leadership, public sector reform, and inclusive economic growth—have met annually in various fora organized by the Institute.

As our network of champions has grown over the years, so has the need to be more deliberate about the interventions the network should undertake for the benefit of society.

As a convening platform, the Annual Leaders Gathering provides a unique collaborative environment for the Institute’s network and associates to freely exchange ideas on changing society for the better, and how networks of emerging leaders within Uganda, the region, and beyond can be harnessed to create vibrant and prosperous societies.

The 2023 Annual Leaders Gathering will bring together influential leaders, thinkers, and innovators from across Eastern Africa and beyond. The ALG2023 coincides with the 11th anniversary of the LéO Africa Institute and will mark a new chapter in the Institute’s evolution as an Africa-focused knowledge institution over the next decade.

With the theme “The Next Decade: Setting the Agenda and Harnessing the Power of Our Network,” this year’s gathering aims to foster collaboration, dialogue, and strategic thinking on key issues facing Africa as the Institute embarks on a new decade.

The Annual Leaders Gathering (ALG), is an annual meeting of emerging leaders within the LéO Africa Institute network across Africa. Over two days, fellows of the Institute, emerging leaders in the public and private sector, as well as the Institute’s extended network across Africa convene to reflect on the challenges facing society today and how different networks of innovators, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers can come together to address them within the African context.

The 2023 Annual Leaders Gathering will be held in a hybrid format between 17-18 November 2023, with a day of virtual convening and a full-day in-person event.

The event will feature panel discussion sessions, conversations with experts, and performances by leading artists within the Institute network under the following thematic areas;

African Identity and Integration: Through panel discussions on forging a common identity and regional integration, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of unity and collaboration in mitigating conflicts and fostering a peaceful and economically viable continent.

Climate Change Action: The panel on individual and collective leadership on climate change will raise awareness about the urgency of addressing climate issues in Africa. Participants will leave the event with a heightened sense of responsibility and commitment to taking action on climate change at both individual and collective levels.

Youth Migration: The panel discussing why young Africans are risking it all to leave the continent will shed light on the underlying causes and challenges faced by the youth. By engaging in this difficult conversation, participants will gain valuable insights to inform policies, initiatives, and interventions that can help create better opportunities and conditions for the youth within Africa.

Empowered Artistic Expression and Narrative Change: The panel on reclaiming heritage through the arts will inspire participants to leverage the power of narrative and storytelling to reshape Africa’s image globally. Attendees will be encouraged to use art and culture as tools for challenging stereotypes, promoting African identities, and fostering a more nuanced understanding of Africa’s rich heritage.

Well-being and Holistic Leadership: The masterclass on achieving the right wellness balance will equip participants with practical tools and knowledge to enhance their personal well-being. They will learn strategies for nurturing their mind, body, and spirit, enabling them to lead with clarity, purpose, and overall well-being.

Started in 2012 as a graduating project by two Africa Leadership Initiative – East Africa (ALI-EA) fellows, Awel Uwihanganye and Magnus Mchunguzi, the LéO Africa Institute has today grown into a promising network of emerging leaders from various sectors across Eastern Africa, with associates from other parts of Africa as well.

The Institute’s key fellowship networks – the Young and Emerging Leaders Project (YELP) and Huduma – today constitute some of the most progressive young voices to have emerged in Uganda and the region in the last decade.