Ernst & Young South Africa - WEAP 2010 - Social - Chris Bradford and Fred Swaniker - African Leadership Academy - Ernst & Young - South Africa

Social Entrepreneur finalist 2010

African Leadership Academy (ALA) concentrates it efforts towards the combined goals of creating the next generation of African Leadership as the fundamental stepping-stone behind the resurgence of the African continent and the drive of entrepreneurship as a game changing skill for continued growth.  Founded in 2004 by Chris Bradford and Fred Swaniker, ALA is an education institution with the express aim of developing, connecting and supporting future leaders for the African continent.  In 2008, ALA introduced its inaugural class recruiting 100 leaders from 54 countries who began their two-year intervention program. Through its network across Africa, ALA identifies the most promising 15 – 19 year old leaders on the continent, bringing them together for a two year pre-university program in South Africa (boarding school).  At the Academy, these students engage in hands-on leadership and entrepreneurial experiences culminating in a project in either entrepreneurial business or a social venture that will form the platform for their future leadership development.  ALA continues its relationship with these leaders throughout their progress through university and further connecting them to networks of people and capital that can assist them in facilitating large-scale change.  As such, ALA defines itself as more than a “school” but is rather a lifelong partner in continental leadership, change and success. In addressing this need for ethical and entrepreneurial leadership, ALA aims to create a network of thousands of leaders who will work together to bring about a wide spread positive change to the continent.