African Leadership University (ALU) celebrated the graduation of more than 700 graduates from ALU Rwanda and the ALU School of Business on July 17 at the Kigali Convention Centre, marking the largest graduating class in our history.
Held under the theme Learning to Impact, the ceremony brought together graduates, families, faculty, staff, partners, and supporters to celebrate the achievements of the ALU Rwanda undergraduate Degree programs’ cohorts of Sept 2022, January 2023 and May 2023 and the ALU School of Business EMBA 2024 cohort. The occasion reflected our continued growth and our commitment to developing leaders equipped to solve complex challenges through entrepreneurial thinking, ethical leadership, and real-world experience.
Throughout their time at ALU, these graduands combined academic study with internships, research, entrepreneurship, leadership opportunities, and community engagement. Their experiences extended beyond the classroom, preparing them to navigate rapidly changing industries while building the skills needed to create sustainable impact in their communities and professions.
This year’s graduation also marked the first ceremony led by Sidee Dlamini, Chief Executive Officer of African Leadership University. She was joined by Fred Swaniker, Founder of African Leadership University, who returned as Chief Guest, while Dr. Nkosana Moyo, Founder of the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS Africa), delivered the keynote address. Speaking to graduates, Dr. Moyo encouraged them to pursue leadership grounded in integrity, service, and the long-term work of building strong institutions across the continent.
Representing the graduating class, Sarabel Odero reflected on the responsibility that comes with an ALU education, encouraging her peers to think beyond personal achievement and toward the impact they hope to create.
“The question should be: What is your dream for Africa and what are you doing to actualize that dream?”
Graduation week also featured the return of Parent Asante Sana, one of our most meaningful traditions. The celebration recognizes that graduation is not only a milestone for students, but also for the families who have supported them throughout their journeys. Parents and guardians were welcomed by University leadership before graduates presented them with commemorative lapel pins as a symbol of gratitude for their encouragement, sacrifice, and partnership. The celebration also included the Unsung Parents Awards, welcoming families into the ALUmni Parent Community and recognizing the important role they continue to play in the lives of ALU graduates.
Closing the ceremony, Sidee Dlamini reminded the graduates that the leadership they developed at ALU is needed now.
“You are no longer the future leaders. You are the current leaders. We are already looking up to you.”
As the newest members of the ALUmni community, the graduands join a growing network of graduates working across entrepreneurship, technology, education, healthcare, public service, finance, the creative industries, and many other fields. This graduating cohort is the largest in our history, reflecting our continued growth and the expanding community of leaders shaping the future of the African continent.
