Uongozi Institute marks 15 years with launch of inaugural alumni forum

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's dedication to nurturing ethical and visionary leadership was celebrated this week as Uongozi Institute marked its 15th anniversary with the launch of its first-ever Alumni Forum.

Speaking during the milestone event, Zena Said, Chief Secretary of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, commended the country’s foresight in establishing Uongozi Institute more than a decade ago as a hub for cultivating principled leaders.

“We saw this as a golden opportunity to push forward the leadership agenda, and Tanzania took up the responsibility with courage,” she said. “Fifteen years later, we are witnessing the fruits of that decision.”

Zena hailed Finland’s role as a longstanding development partner, citing its instrumental support in shaping the Institute’s success. She also thanked the European Union for backing the Women’s Leadership Programme, one of Uongozi’s signature initiatives.

“Through training, research, and policy dialogue, Uongozi Institute has become a leader in promoting sustainable development. It has empowered more than 865 leaders across Africa, bringing together diverse perspectives and strengthening regional cooperation,” she noted.

Encouraging graduates to remain actively involved, she urged the growing alumni community to mentor future leaders, build strong professional networks, and champion transformative leadership.

Quoting Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, she underscored the power of self-belief and leadership in shaping Africa’s future.

Zena also linked the Institute’s mission to Tanzania’s newly launched Vision 2050, which aspires to propel the country into the ranks of high-income nations through industrialization, knowledge economies, and inclusive growth.

Uongozi Institute CEO Mr Kadari Singo highlighted the organisation’s impact through its unique African-centred leadership model tailored to local and regional contexts.

Operating under four strategic pillars—executive education, policy dialogue, advisory services, and action research—the Institute delivers evidence-based leadership solutions to both public and private sectors.

Despite a modest team of 22 full-time staff, the Institute has trained 865 leaders since its establishment in 2010. Its Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership, run in partnership with Finland’s Aalto University, has produced 257 graduates, while 309 have completed the Certificate in Leadership. The Women in Leadership Programme has so far empowered 299 women from across Africa.

Speaking at the forum, Mr Tommi Lounio, Deputy Head of Mission at the Finnish Embassy, praised the Institute’s integrity and ongoing relevance.

“Leadership is not defined by gender,” he said. “We applaud Uongozi Institute for advancing ethical, inclusive leadership and for its continued commitment to accountability and excellence.”

The Alumni Forum brought together past graduates, board members, government officials, and development partners, underscoring a shared commitment to transformative leadership that can shape the continent’s future.