About ALI-East Africa – Values-driven leadership for Africa’s future

Building a generation of African leaders grounded in values, courage, and integrity.

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Our story

Africa continues to face significant social and economic challenges. At ALI-East Africa, we believe that these can only be addressed by enlightened African leaders who act with integrity, courage, and a deep sense of purpose.

ALI-East Africa was founded in 2001 as part of a Pan-African initiative, designed to identify and support high-integrity, entrepreneurial leaders from East Africa who are committed to transforming their communities.

We form part of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN) and are inspired by the Henry Crown Fellowship model. Our program combines intellectual reflection, values-based dialogue, and personal leadership development to move leaders from success to significance.

Founders and board members of ALI-East Africa standing together beside a backdrop featuring an Ali Mufuruki quote, symbolising the organisation’s roots in ethical leadership.

Our Mission

To invest in systems that foster the emergence of the next generation of African leaders in business, politics, and civil society who are effective, values-driven, and enlightened through knowledge.

Our Vision

A critical mass of next-generation leaders who are values-driven, effective, and enlightened—committed to the transformation of East Africa and the wider continent.

Our Mandate

ALI-East Africa provides a platform for reflection, learning, and action among proven leaders at a point of inflection in their careers—leaders who are asking: What more can be done?

We seek to build a network of Fellows who are committed to confronting societal challenges, individually and collectively, and to leading their communities with courage, empathy, and conviction.

This Fellowship experience is based on the Aspen Institute model, which prioritises deep dialogue, personal introspection, and a commitment to the common good.

Tiered auditorium of ALI-East Africa fellows applauding during an interactive leadership session.

The Aspen philosophical foundation

At the core of ALI-East Africa’s approach is the Aspen Institute’s belief in the humanistic tradition—that leadership, at its best, should serve the needs of human beings and enrich their lives.

The Aspen Institute values both the timeless “Great Ideas” of the past and the controversial, messy ideas of the present. Leadership education, according to this philosophy, is not mechanical or purely rational. It recognises the mystery at the edge of human thought, and the magic of human relationships.

“The Institute intends to be, in sum, a place of excellence and excitement where men and women of the finest qualities of mind and spirit from all walks of life in the United States and abroad can meet to learn from one another through serious discussion of and work on significant problems facing society and the greatest ideas which have been expressed throughout history and today concerning these problems.”

— J. E. Slater, President, The Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies, 1972

This philosophical basis continues to guide how ALI-East Africa cultivates leadership.

Our roots and regional reach

ALI-East Africa is one of four regional initiatives that form the broader Africa Leadership Initiative (ALI), launched in partnership with the Aspen Institute and a group of pioneering Henry Crown Fellows.

ALI East Africa
ALI South Africa
ALI West Africa
ALI-East Africa is part of a continental network that also includes ALI-West Africa, ALI-South Africa, and a standalone initiative in Mozambique. Together, these programs are cultivating a Pan-African generation of ethical and impactful leaders.

Our board

The strategic direction and governance of ALI-East Africa is overseen by a distinguished Board composed of Fellows and regional leaders who embody the values of the Fellowship.

Awel Uwihanganye - Class III – Third Dimension Uwepo

Awel Uwihanganye

  • Class III – Third Dimension Uwepo
LinkedIn
AGLN
Bio
Awel Uwihanganye - Class III – Third Dimension Uwepo

Board Member

Awel Uwihanganye

  • Class III – Third Dimension Uwepo
LinkedIn
AGLN
Bio
Catherinerose Barretto - Class IV – Mawimbi

Catherinerose Barretto

  • Class IV – Mawimbi
LinkedIn
AGLN
Bio
Catherinerose Barretto - Class IV – Mawimbi

Board Member

Catherinerose Barretto

  • Class IV – Mawimbi
LinkedIn
AGLN
Bio

Laila Macharia

  • Class III – Third Dimension Uwepo
LinkedIn
AGLN
Bio

Board Member

Laila Macharia

  • Class III – Third Dimension Uwepo
LinkedIn
AGLN
Bio

Mariam Luyombo

  • Class I – Inaugural
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AGLN
Bio

Board Member

Mariam Luyombo

  • Class I – Inaugural
LinkedIn
AGLN
Bio

©2025. ALI EAST AFRICA

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