ANNUAL REPORT 2022

EXPANDING OUR REACH

A prosperous and equitable Africa, fostered by good governance

In 2022, Emerging Public Leaders deepened our network across the continent in pursuit of a prosperous and equitable Africa, fostered by good governance. Programs in Liberia, Ghana, and Kenya expanded their reach by engaging new highly qualified young professionals to train the next generation of innovative, responsive civil servants. Our Fellows and alumni continue to make positive impacts in public service as ethical leaders, providers of equitable service delivery and drivers of sustainable change.

Our Impact

Slide Over

80%

More than 80% of supervisors agreed that the EPL Fellows assigned to their units contributed toward strengthening the organizational capacity of their ministry or other institution.

73%

73% of supervisors asserted that the performance of staff with the EPL program is higher than that of staff not with the program.

100%

100% of supervisors said culture change in their organizations depends on the sustained presence of the EPL program.

Expanding Our Reach

Welcome Message from Interim Executive Director Caren Wakoli

Letter from Board of Directors

As we reflect on 2022, we extend our gratitude to Emerging Public Leaders’ partners, Fellows, supervisors, mentors, and global and country-level boards and steering committees, who have been integral to our growth and impact.

Over 2022 we examined our vision, mission, and values in order to allow Emerging Public Leaders to better shape and support the next generation of civil servants. We have made strides to prioritize sustainability in our model, encourage storytelling from our Fellows, strengthen programming, and ensure efficient operations. During the year, Board members shared rewarding moments with our Fellows and alumni network in Liberia and Ghana, as well as launched the Public Service Emerging Leaders Fellowship program in Kenya and participated in the 77th UN General Assembly.

Through EPL’s expansion in Kenya, the Board came to know Caren Wakoli, and we have been fortunate to benefit from her exceptional service as our Interim Executive Director. Caren smoothly took the baton from Yawa Hansen-Quao, EPL’s leader for four years until June 2022. As we write this, the Board is reviewing candidates to become EPL’s next Executive Director as Caren plans her return to full-time leadership of Emerging Leaders Foundation-Africa, EPL’s partner organization in Kenya.

Good governance and equitable service delivery are essential to promoting economic development and sustainable growth on the continent. Trusted civil servants play a crucial role in achieving these goals by implementing policies and programs that promote transparency and accountability. They act as a bridge between the government and citizens, helping to ensure that government policies and services are accessible and responsive to the needs of the people. Our Fellows continue to impress us with their commitment to these goals, and we are honored to support them in their endeavors.

Finally, as President Sirleaf steps down from co-chair of the board and becomes our leader emeritus, Emerging Public Leaders is grateful for her vision, board service, and continued support of the Fellowship. We thank her for her dedication to public service and contributions to our organization’s growth and success.

In 2022 Emerging Public Leaders expanded its reach across Africa, building a robust mentorship and cross-country collaboration network that has deepened our impact. With EPL’s support in 2023, our Fellows will continue to influence and strengthen their country’s ability to deliver government services equitably, inspire innovation, and ensure integrity. Additionally, EPL has secured funding to establish fellowship programs in several more countries, further advancing our vision of a prosperous and equitable Africa, fostered by good governance.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another successful year ahead.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors of Emerging Public Leaders

Betsy Williams, Chair

Melissa Bukuru

Christabel E. Dadzie

Michelle Gavin

Todd Johnson

Sharmi Surianarain

Emerging Public Leaders partners with governments and local organizations to rigorously identify public service professionals who are committed to practicing and promoting good governance throughout Africa. With our support throughout their career journeys, this diverse network of leaders influence and strengthen their country’s institutions for delivering democracy with excellence, care, innovation, and integrity.

Our Values

Featured

Integrity

We keep our word and act ethically.

Excellence

We uphold high-quality standards.

Partnership

We are responsive to country and community needs.

Citizen-Centric Leadership

We promote effective and inclusive leadership as we help develop public servants who put citizens at the center of their work.

Accountability

We strive to exceed expectations and we transparently communicate our impact and efficiency to our stakeholders.

Growth Projection

EPL in Action

77th United Nations General Assembly

Location: New York

In September, interim executive director Caren Wakoli led Emerging Public Leaders’ delegation to the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York. Also attending were alumni from EPL Ghana and PYPP’s programs, featured in this documentary, who spoke about the need to put youth leadership at the center of global conversations.

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in June was held in Kigali, where PSELF Fellows had the opportunity to meet with other young leaders from countries around the world and collaborate around ways to empower youth to take charge of their future. PYPP Fellows also had the chance to meet with Mastercard Foundation CEO Reeta Roy.

U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit

Location: Washington, D.C.

Leaders committed to the United States-Africa partnership visited Washington in December. Ahead of the summit, Emerging Public Leaders co-hosted a panel discussion with the Center for Global Development and the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs titled “Accelerating Public Service Leadership in Africa.” EPL emeritus board member and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, was the keynote speaker, introduced by EPL founder and co-chair Betsy Williams. EPL interim Executive Director Caren Wakoli was among the panelists who discussed investments that government can make to engage young people in the public service.

African Association for Public Administration and Management Seminar on Leadership for Transforming Public Institutions in Africa (AAPAM)

Location: Mombasa, Kenya

September 2022

In September, EPL leadership attended a seminar on “Leadership for Transformation of Public Institutions in Africa” hosted by the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM). Kenya’s Project Manager Stella Nderitu attended, and EPL’s Interim Executive Director Caren Wakoli had the opportunity to speak to attendees from the public and private sectors, development partners, young professionals, and academicians. Caren signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AAPAM Secretary General George Kojo Scott to further collaboration on best practice and capacity-building in public service.

African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) 41st Annual Roundtable Conference

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

December 2022

In December, EPL leadership attended the African Association for Public Administration and Management Conference (AAPAM) in Cape Town. The 41st roundtable conference and its participants engaged on topics relating to “Africa’s Renewal in the Era of Sustainable Development Shared Responsibility for Strengthening Institutions.” Liberia’s Executive Director Ciata Stevens d’Almeida and Ghana’s Country Director Juliet Amoah represented EPL during the conference and gave presentations on “Young Public Leaders Voices on the Africa We Want and Institutions as Enablers of Economic Empowerment for People Living with Disabilities, Women and the Youth.” Ciata was elected as Vice President of the West Africa Region for the Young Professionals Network of AAPAM.

Meet the Fellows

Connect with Us

Meet the Global Board

MEET THE GLOBAL TEAM

Global Board

Betsy H Williams

Board Chair

Madame Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Chair Emeritus

Melissa Bukuru

Christabel Dadzie

Michelle Gavin

Todd Johnson

Witney Schneidman

Stepped down in December 2022

Sharmi Surianarain

Meet the Liberia Team

VIEW LIBERIA TEAM

PYPP Board

Hon. James A. Thompson

Board Chair

T. Nelson Williams

Board Co-Chair

Betsy Williams

Saah C. N’Tow

Meet the Ghana Team

VIEW GHANA TEAM

Ghana Board

Dr. Esi E. Ansah

Board Chair

Prince Acquaye

Mr. Emmanuel Lubembe

Michelle Gavin

Christabel Dadzie

Dr. Samuel (Sammy) K. Bonsu

Abigail Burgesson

Meet the Kenya Team

VIEW KENYA TEAM

Kenya Steering Committee

Madame Marilyn Kamuru

Madame Mercy Wanjau

Madame Amandla Ooko-Ombaka

Dr. Alex Awiti

Mr. Emmanuel Lubembe

Mr. Con Omore

Mr. Laban Cliff Onserio

Mr.Ken Njiru

Madame Rose Wachuka

Ex-Officio Members

Madame Sharmi Surinarain

Dr.Loice Wafula

ELF Board Member

Dr. Sylvester Obong’o

PSC

With unprecedented growth comes the need for expanded support of EPL’s Fellows. We are grateful for the partnership and grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to grow our programs’ research and learning opportunities. With partnerships that focus on policy and advocacy, our work to train innovative and ethical young African leaders is better supported.

Partner Spotlight: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Thank You to Our Partners and Funders for Your Support

EPL Funders

Grants $100K +

Anonymous

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Hewlett Foundation

Mastercard Foundation

Emerging Public Leaders Board of Directors & Advisors

Betsy Williams

David Martin

Michelle Gavin

Sharmi Surianarain

Todd Johnson

Partners and Funders

Covington & Burling LLP

David Lartey Gbebi

Invest in The Next Generation of Africa's Public Servants

Emerging Public Leaders has been leading the way for more than five years to develop opportunities and demand for strong public service leadership across Africa. EPL’s unique programs continue to stand out in value and impact to cultivate the next generation of leaders and ensure service delivery, strengthened democracy, and inclusive economic development.

Please join us in the mission. To support Emerging Public Leaders, please visit our website or contact us at info@emergingpublicleaders.org.

VISIT WEBSITE

EPL

1100 13th St NW
Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20005 USA

PYPP-Liberia

Airfield Road
Opposite Airfield – New Road Junction, Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia

EPL-Ghana

No. 41 Djanie Ashie Road
East Legon-Accra, Ghana

PSELF-Kenya

Marenge Close, Off Prof. Saitoti Avenue, Westlands

P.O. Box 29308-00100 Nairobi

Emerging Public Leaders is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States that works with our partners in Africa to strengthen governance and public services by training young professionals entering or in the civil service.

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