The Programme for African Leadership (PfAL) was established at LSE to empower a new generation of African leaders who will promote best practices of economic and social development in their organisations and home countries. At the latest cohort’s graduation, speeches offered advice for entry into the workplace and the importance of the students using their voice to speak against racial injustice and discrimination.

Despite the year ending markedly different to expectations, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ninth cohort of LSE students completing the Programme for African Leadership was nonetheless a milestone for celebration. An online graduation was held over Zoom in July 2020, where the 76 enrolled students engaged with alumni and a panel of inspirational leaders.

To show their appreciation, staff at the Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa staff and PfAL students came together to create a wonderful farewell message, which you can view below.

During the graduation ceremony, strategic director of the FLCA, Alcinda Honwana, spoke to the students about shaping their futures and using their voices to speak against racial injustice and discrimination.

Maudo Jallow from the PfAL6 cohort gave the alumni address, shedding light on difficulties often faced post-graduation and moving back home, as well as the successes that come from perseverance in the workplace. PfAL alumni Amina Alaoui Soulimani addressed her peers in a speech that touched strongly on the values seen in the PfAL code: integrity, respect, and humility.

You can view the highlights here: