We are proud to unveil the 2025 cohort of the AMALI City Leadership Programme – a gathering of forward-thinking African city leaders poised for a transformative journey.
The AMALI City Leadership Programme is a comprehensive, year-long initiative providing support and mentorship to African city leaders with the potential to significantly improve the lives of their communities. Tailored to refine their visions for urban development, participants receive guidance from experienced coaches known for their transformative leadership achievements, including former heads of state, government ministers, governors and mayors. This peer learning model makes the programme unique. Throughout the programme, city leaders gain a deeper understanding of the essential tools, teams and resources needed to execute their plans effectively while rallying support from constituents and stakeholders.
The 2025 AMALI cohort is comprised of 15 exceptional members from nine African countries; leaders who have been selected for their ambition and vision to improve their cities:
- Rohey Malick Lowe – Banjul (The Gambia)
- Talib Ahmed Bensouda – Kanifing (The Gambia)
- Adama Sarr – Keur Massar Nord (Dakar, Senegal)
- John-Charuk Saah Siafa – Monrovia (Liberia)
- Teshome Adugna – Shaggar (Ethiopia)
- Chalachew Dagnew Kebede – Gondar (Ethiopia)
- Efrah Wozir Abdulahi – Maya (Ethiopia)
- Firew Moges Motta – Wolaita-Sodo (Ethiopia)
- Abdullswamad Nassir – Mombasa (Kenya)
- Júlio José Parruque – Matola (Mozambique)
- Jacob Mafume – Harare (Zimbabwe)
- Rosaria Mangoma – Chitungwiza (Zimbabwe)
- Dada Morero – Johannesburg (South Africa)
- George Mwanza –Chipata (Zambia)
- Theresa Kolala – Kasama (Zambia)
Like the last two years, the 2025 AMALI programme kicked off with an immersive five-day leadership forum hosted at the University of Cape Town from January 26th -30th. Throughout the forum, city leaders delved into deeply engaging sessions with mentors and advisors, shaping their visions for urban development. The forum served as a platform for exchanging insights and experiences in steering bold transformation initiatives. With the establishment of the AMALI peer-to-peer network, city leaders now belong to a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to overcoming challenges and inspiring progress.
Jamie Cooper, AMALI Board Co-Chair and Chair and President of Big Win Philanthropy reflected on the 2025 AMALI City Leadership Forum’s purpose and the anticipated impact on participants:
“Well-planned urban centres are widely acknowledged as pivotal contributors to national well-being and economic prosperity. The vibrancy, ambition, and deep commitment of this AMALI cohort to improving their cities and bettering the lives of citizens is exceptional. Given the trajectory and pace of growth of its cities, this quality of leadership bodes well for the continent.”
AMALI Advisor and Government Innovation Lead at Bloomberg Philanthropies, James Anderson said:“Mayors are the critical leaders who can bring people together around challenges, unlock new solutions, and set the pace for others to follow. We are thrilled to welcome the new AMALI cohort – and we look forward to helping them connect with their peers in cities around the world.”
As the hosting partner, Professor Edgar Pieterse, African Centre for Cities director and AMALI Co-Chair reflected that the AMALI leadership programme offers “immersive exposure to cutting-edge ideas and skills for African city leaders so that they can become more effective in driving transformative change for their people and cities. AMALI cohort 2025 embraced the challenge with promising enthusiasm.”
AMALI is a partnership of the African Centre for Cities (ACC) at the University of Cape Town, Big Win Philanthropy, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The programme draws on each organisation’s rich experience and expertise to support participating city leaders.
The 2025 AMALI cohort is made up of 15 city leaders from nine African countries
The leadership forum in Cape Town was the first physical meeting between the city leaders, advisors and facilitators