Morocco has called for a new generation of African public leadership capable of addressing the continent’s evolving challenges while maintaining a strong global outlook, as government officials and policymakers gathered for the 17th Ministerial Forum of the African Training and Research Center in Administration for Development (CAFRAD).
Opening the forum in Rabat, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni highlighted the importance of building leadership models that reflect Africa’s realities while embracing international cooperation and innovation. She said the continent’s growing pool of talent, expanding innovation ecosystems and locally developed solutions provide a solid foundation for modern public governance.
According to the minister, effective public leadership must be driven by ethical standards, professional competence and measurable impact. She stressed that African administrations need to strengthen their capacity to respond quickly to change, improve coordination between institutions and deliver high-quality public services that place citizens at the center of government action.
Seghrouchni also presented Morocco’s ongoing administrative modernization efforts, describing institutional reform as a strategic driver of sustainable development. She noted that these reforms are being implemented under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, with the objective of improving governance, accelerating digital transformation and enhancing public sector performance.
The forum also highlighted Morocco’s growing role in promoting cooperation across the African continent. CAFRAD Director General Coffi Dieudonné Assouvi praised the Kingdom’s contribution to public sector modernization and recognized its commitment to supporting institutional transformation beyond its borders. He described His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s vision for South-South cooperation as an important reference for African institutions seeking stronger collaboration and shared development.
During the event, Seghrouchni received the African Leadership Excellence Award – Personality of the Year 2025 in the Digital Governance for Sustainable Development category. The distinction recognizes her contribution to advancing digital governance, sustainable development initiatives, African integration and regional cooperation.
Held under the theme “Leadership, Essential Catalyst for Steering Public Action in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous, Paradoxical and Dangerous Environment,” the 17th CAFRAD Ministerial Forum features interactive discussions on leadership development, emotional intelligence, organizational resilience, interinstitutional cooperation and strategic foresight, with participants exploring practical approaches to strengthening governance across African public administrations.
