School leadership stakeholders call for coherent policy and institutionalised leadership development in Africa

School leadership stakeholders in Africa have called for a coherent and institutionalised process for developing school leaders. The call was made during the opening session of a three-day workshop (10–12 February) in Nairobi to validate findings from the first continent-wide mapping of school leadership initiatives in Africa. The workshop was organised by the African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL) in partnership with the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI).

The convening brought together education leaders, policymakers, researchers, school principals, and development partners at regional and continental levels. Over three days, participants will review, refine, and validate the mapping findings while co-creating a continental roadmap to strengthen school leadership systems.

School leadership is widely recognised as a decisive lever for learning—second only to classroom teaching in its influence on learner outcomes. Research shows that effective school leaders shape what happens in classrooms by strengthening instructional quality, motivating and supporting teachers, creating a positive and safe school climate, engaging parents and communities, and ensuring the strategic use of resources to improve learning. This is why ACSL is deepening its engagement on school leadership across Africa—particularly at the secondary level, which is increasingly central to preparing young Africans for the world of work.

Read the full story on the ACSL website