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The 8th African Leadership Forum (ALF) opened on April 7, 2025, at Munyonyo Speke Resort in Kampala, bringing together former heads of state, policymakers, business leaders, and civil society to address Africa’s most pressing development challenges. Under the theme “Realizing Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: Progress and Way Forward,” the forum seeks to accelerate efforts toward the UN’s 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. With Uganda’s President Museveni expected in attendance, the event highlights Uganda’s rising regional influence and underscores the continent’s commitment to translating dialogue into transformative action.

KAMPALA, Uganda— The 8th African Leadership Forum (ALF) kicked off on April 7, 2025, at the renowned Munyonyo Speke Resort, bringing together leaders from across Africa to tackle key developmental challenges. Centered around the theme “Realizing Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: Progress and Way Forward,” the forum emphasizes the critical need to fast-track efforts toward achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Running from April 7–8, the event is jointly convened by H.E. Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania and ALF Patron, and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia. Uganda’s President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is also expected to be in attendance.

The African Leadership Forum (ALF) brings together former heads of state, government officials, business leaders, academics, and civil society actors for open, solution-focused dialogue held under Chatham House Rules. This year’s discussions center on critical issues such as combating corruption, strengthening governance, and revitalizing key sectors like health, education, and agriculture—areas where Africa continues to lag in meeting global benchmarks. With just six years remaining to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the forum seeks to develop practical strategies, including the adoption of the Kampala Declaration, to advance sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s expected participation underscores Uganda’s increasing influence in regional leadership conversations. His administration has prioritized economic independence, recently criticizing past economic models and calling for greater investment in infrastructure to reduce business costs. The forum’s timing also coincides with the 11th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11), scheduled for April 9–11 at the same venue—Munyonyo Speke Resort—further enhancing its regional significance.

Jointly organized by the UONGOZI Institute and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the ALF serves as a vital platform for African leaders to shape the continent’s future. As deliberations unfold, the emphasis remains on transforming commitments into concrete, impactful actions for a continent at a pivotal moment in its development journey.