Ever had to pinpoint the exact location of Togo on a map? Well, the ELEMMINATE Project through the Leadership, Management, and Governance (LMG) Programme has once again proven that no country is too small to be transformed — and that every corner of Africa holds the promise of leadership capable of reshaping the continent’s health systems.
Between 27th and 31st October 2025, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) team from Senegal and Togo arrived at Strathmore Business School (SBS) in Nairobi, Kenya, for the final module of the LMG Programme — a week that would mark both the culmination of a powerful learning journey and the beginning of a renewed leadership mission. The sessions were filled with reflection, dialogue, and shared aspirations, embodying the transformative spirit that SBS champions under the stewardship of Dr. Caesar Mwangi, the Dean of Strathmore Business School.
This module was uniquely dynamic. A section of the delegates represented Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and undertook parallel sessions under the same LMG framework. The ability to run both tracks concurrently showcased the versatility and dynamic approach of The Institute of Healthcare Management (IHM)— demonstrating its capacity to convene and nurture diverse health leadership cohorts while ensuring context-specific learning for each.
The sessions were a blend of classroom learning, practical simulations, and cross-country collaboration. Participants from both Senegal and Togo engaged in discussions centred on strategic leadership, ethical governance, and systems thinking — all aimed at empowering health leaders to drive impactful change within their respective programs.
In line with SBS’s guiding ethos of “Transforming Africa through Ethical and Sustainable Leadership,” the module emphasized that leadership is not just about decision-making, but about purpose — a commitment to serve communities and strengthen institutions with integrity.
Beyond the classroom walls, participants visited two of Kenya’s leading research institutions — the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). These visits exposed them to cutting-edge research and innovations that directly influence malaria and NTD control strategies across the region.
At ICIPE, discussions centered on vector control innovations, ecological sustainability, and the science of integrated pest management. At KEMRI, participants engaged with researchers working on malaria surveillance, diagnostic advancements, and evidence generation for policy. These encounters reinforced one of the key takeaways of the LMG framework — that effective leadership in health demands collaboration across research, policy, and implementation spheres.
The week culminated with a beautiful and moving graduation ceremony, a moment filled with pride, laughter, and reflection. Graduates from Senegal and Togo were joined by faculty, staff, and distinguished guests to celebrate the successful completion of their leadership journey under the LMG programme. The event was graced by H.E. El Hadji Gueye, First Counsellor/Deputy Ambassador from the Embassy of Senegal, and H.E. Devotsu Komi from the Consul of Togo, whose presence underscored the diplomatic and continental importance of the LMG Programme.
In their remarks, both dignitaries emphasized the need for Africans to take the lead in shaping Africa’s health future. They applauded the partnership between Strathmore Business School and the ELEMMINATE Project for nurturing leaders who not only manage programs but also transform systems. Programs like this, they noted, do not just build skills — they build networks of trust and collaboration across countries, reinforcing the shared dream of an Africa that leads its own solutions.
Amid the formality of certificates and speeches, the day ended on a light and heartfelt note. The Senegalese and Togolese participants joined the SBS community in celebrating Dean Dr. Caesar Mwangi’s birthday, joyfully participating in a cake-cutting ceremony that symbolized unity, humility, and shared humanity. The celebration captured the work-and-play ethos that defines Strathmore — where leadership is not just about results, but about connection, joy, and balance. Dr. Mwangi, who has championed the Transforming Africa theme across SBS programs, reminded participants that leadership transformation begins with the individual.
As the graduates return home to Senegal and Togo, they join a growing network of over 430 leaders across 12 African countries who have been equipped through the ELEMMINATE project. The story of this cohort is more than a graduation narrative; it reflects the LMG Programme’s deeper purpose — to inspire a new generation of health leaders who embody integrity, accountability, and a people-first mindset. It is also a testament to the transformative vision of Strathmore Business School, whose leadership model blends academic rigor, ethical grounding, and African values to shape leaders who serve with excellence and empathy.
In the broader canvas of transformation, this experience stands as a powerful reminder that Africa’s development will be driven by Africans — leaders who believe in the continent’s potential and work collectively to realize it.
Article by: Judith Adhiambo Amolo
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