Kigali, Rwanda – Nearly 1,000 African leaders, thinkers, and changemakers are gathering in Kigali this week for the inaugural Africa Mindset Reset Forum, taking place on August 25–26, 2026, at the Kigali Convention Centre. Convened by the African School of Governance (ASG), the forum brings together heads of state, former presidents, business leaders, and young innovators to chart a new course for Africa’s development.
Earth Focus Network, a unified digital ecosystem connecting organizations, businesses, individuals, and funders committed to environmental protection and sustainability, will be represented at this historic gathering. Our presence at the forum underscores our commitment to connecting changemakers and advancing sustainable development across Africa.
A Gathering of Africa’s Leaders
The forum is co-founded by H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia. Among the distinguished participants are Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Gambian Vice President Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang.
Senior continental figures include Sidi Ould Tah (African Development Bank President), Wamkele Mene (AfCFTA Secretary-General), and Claver Gatete (UN Economic Commission for Africa Executive Secretary). The private sector is represented by leaders including Acha Leke (McKinsey & Company), Yvonne Makolo (RwandAir CEO), and Clare Akamanzi (NBA Africa CEO)
From Pan-Africanism to Meta-Africanism
The forum’s theme, “From Pan-Africanism to Meta-Africanism,” reflects a critical shift. While Pan-Africanism helped African countries attain political independence, the continent now requires a new approach to secure economic freedom.
“Africa now needs a new mindset to achieve economic independence.” – Francis Gatare, President of ASG
Former President Thabo Mbeki will deliver the opening keynote address on this theme, examining the mindset shifts Africa needs amid changing geopolitics and shrinking development financing. President Kagame, President Mahama, and Hailemariam Desalegn will then participate in a deep-dive conversation on how to convert Pan-African ambitions into concrete action.
Seven Mindset Shifts for a New Africa
The forum will promote seven mindset shifts to accelerate Africa’s transformation:
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Fatalism | Growth – learn, adapt, reform |
| Isolation | Openness – rooted in Africa, open to the world |
| Cynicism | Possibility – hope as strategy |
| Dependency | Initiative – Africa sets its own agenda |
| Scarcity | Abundance – collaboration over competition |
| Victimhood | Ownership – pain transformed into purpose |
| Low Standards | Excellence – pride proven through performance |
What Will Be Discussed?
The two-day programme tackles Africa’s most persistent challenges:
- Good governance, institutional reform, and leadership: Strengthening African institutions so governments can turn policies into tangible results.
- Continental integration: Deepening cooperation to make initiatives like AfCFTA and the Single African Air Transport Market more effective.
- Education and human capital: Equipping Africa’s growing youth population with skills for entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.
- Natural resource stewardship: Translating resources into inclusive growth, productive industries, and dignified work.
- Culture of execution: Moving from declarations to measurable action.
Youth at the Centre
80% of participants will be young and emerging leaders. Satellite hubs, including one in Abuja, Nigeria, allow young leaders across the continent to engage virtually and contribute perspectives. Over 6,000 people from 74 countries signed up—exceeding physical capacity—but the conversation continues online.
Earth Focus Network at the Forum
Earth Focus Network is proud to be represented at this historic gathering. Our participation reflects our commitment to:
- Connecting changemakers – Building bridges between environmental professionals, researchers, and development practitioners across Africa and beyond
- Advancing sustainable development – Sharing opportunities, partnerships, and resources that accelerate climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture
- Amplifying African voices – Ensuring that the continent’s environmental and social innovators have a seat at the table
- Building a regenerative future – Supporting the mindset shifts and practical actions needed for Africa’s transformation
We look forward to engaging with leaders, sharing insights, and building partnerships that will drive Africa’s sustainable development.
What the Forum Hopes to Achieve
Beyond discussions and speeches, expectations are high for the forum to produce practical ideas, stronger partnerships, and a clearer action agenda. The closing session will call for Africa’s mindset reset to move beyond inspiration towards coordinated leadership, disciplined implementation, and sustained follow-through.
The central message is clear: Africa’s transformation will require not only new policies but also a new mindset about leadership, ownership, institutions, and the continent’s place in the world.
Want to Stay Connected?
At Earth Focus Network, we believe that environmental and social change is a collective movement. We connect changemakers with opportunities, partnerships, and resources to build a regenerative future.
We invite you to join our community to access funding alerts, networking, and visibility for your work.
🌐 Visit us: www.earthfocusnetwork.com
📧 Email us: Info@earthfocusnetwork.com
Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Africa Mindset Reset Forum |
| Dates | 25–26 August 2026 |
| Venue | Kigali Convention Centre, Rwanda |
| Theme | “From Pan-Africanism to Meta-Africanism” |
| Conveners | African School of Governance (ASG) |
| Youth Participation | 80% of attendees are young leaders |
| Earth Focus Network | Represented at the forum |
| Livestream | Available in five languages |
| Contact | MindsetResetForum@asg.ac |
Earth Focus Network believes the future is not something we wait for—it’s something we build together. Join us in building Africa’s future!
This is what Africa has been waiting for, to shape it’s purpose by developing a movement of transformed mindset about Africa’s potential. Such platforms are vital in making this a reality.
Ndamukunda, thank you for sharing your powerful perspective! You’ve hit on something absolutely crucial—the idea that we’ve been waiting for this, but now the time is for action.
You’re right that platforms like the Africa Mindset Reset Forum are vital, but I’d love to dig a little deeper with you: What does a “transformed mindset” look like in practice for you?
Is it about unlearning colonial legacies in education? Is it about how we measure success as individuals versus communities? Or is it about shifting the narrative from “Africa needs saving” to “Africa is the blueprint”?