Transformational Leadership Academy

Mozambique witnessed a significant moment as young adults aged 24-28 from Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado in the northern region took part in the Social Cohesion Program. The program, officially launched by Prof. Dr. Adriano Nuvunga, the Executive Director of CDD in October 2021, marked the first edition of TLA. This initiative aimed to train and mentor the next generation of Mozambican leaders, fostering their transformational potential at local, provincial, and national levels. It aimed to centralize youth and leadership in Mozambique's socio-economic and democratic progress, promoting social cohesion and civic engagement among young people and women across social, political, and economic spheres, ultimately contributing to enhanced local governance.

The program's objectives included: 1. Cultivating a new generation of Mozambican leaders equipped with the skills, values, and attitudes required for national transformation and development. 2. Empowering Mozambican youth to drive transformation and contribute to national development. 3. Translating effective leadership skills into action at both national and local levels. The training program was divided into two phases: 1. The first phase, held from October 3 to October 28, 2022, covered various aspects of Transformational Leadership in five modules: National Transformational Leadership Values and Skills, Economic Leadership, Civic and Community Leadership, Democratic Leadership for Development, and Youth Leadership in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. 2. Phase 2, occurring from November 21 to 26 in Pemba, was a "Do camp." This phase involved face-to-face activities, where participants presented their social intervention projects in groups and engaged with influential transformational leaders, both national and international.

Facilitators included academics from northern Mozambican universities, national and international transformational leaders, representatives from local governments, civil society, entrepreneurs, and religious leaders. These mentors shared their leadership experiences with the young leaders. Notable figures, such as Patrícia Piqueiras, an Expert in Social Cohesion and Program MEL, Prof. Dr. Nicholas Awortwi, Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies in Accra, Ghana, Dr. Joana Vondee from the African Governance Institute in the Netherlands, and His Excellency Mr. Valige Tauabo, the Governor of the Province of Cabo Delgado, as well as leaders from various provinces, actively contributed to discussions and idea exchanges.

Upon successful completion of the program, the young participants were awarded certificates, presented by Dr. Siphosami Malunga of the Open Society Foundation Africa (OSF), His Excellency Valige Tauabo, the Governor of the Province of Cabo Delgado, and His Excellency António Njanje Taimo Supeia, the Secretary of State for the Province of Cabo Delgado.