2026 Cohort 3 applications are open. Deadline: 23 August 2026. Start your application
Core curriculum

Understanding. Reframing. Application. Multiplication.

An 8–10 week learning journey that connects human dignity, markets, livelihoods, power, narratives and leadership.

Curriculum philosophy

Conceptual clarity grounded in lived reality.

The curriculum engages hearts before persuading minds.

Each module begins with a core question, introduces ideas through African examples and ends with an applied output. The result is learning that can be explained, tested and shared.

01
Module 1

Human Dignity & Agency

What does dignity mean in everyday African life?

Learning focus

  • Dignity versus dependency
  • Agency, choice and responsibility
  • Moral foundations of freedom

Applied outputPersonal reflection essay or recorded narrative

02
Module 2

Markets as Social Coordination

How do people cooperate without central control?

Learning focus

  • Markets as information systems
  • Informality, trust and exchange in Africa
  • Myths about markets and exploitation

Applied outputLocal market, trade or enterprise case study

03
Module 3

Work, Livelihoods & Opportunity

Why do jobs emerge — and why do they fail to?

Learning focus

  • Entrepreneurship versus employment narratives
  • Regulation, informality and skills
  • The dignity of work beyond wages

Applied outputShort explainer article, video or thread

04
Module 4

The State, Power & Limits

What should government do — and what should it not do?

Learning focus

  • Centralisation versus decentralisation
  • African policy failures and lessons
  • The cost of coercive solutions

Applied outputNon-advocacy policy reflection memo

05
Module 5

Illiberalism & Narrative Capture

How do bad ideas spread — and why do they stick?

Learning focus

  • Populism, fear and economic anxiety
  • How narratives shape policy outcomes
  • Resisting illiberalism culturally

Applied outputNarrative analysis of a local issue

06
Module 6

Liberty in African Context

Is liberty foreign or indigenous?

Learning focus

  • African traditions of trade and autonomy
  • Colonial legacies and modern misconceptions
  • Reclaiming indigenous dignity systems

Applied outputFacilitated group discussion

07
Module 7

Communicating Ideas

How do we talk about freedom without ideology?

Learning focus

  • Storytelling versus argument
  • Framing for non-technical audiences
  • Avoiding polarisation

Applied outputPublic-facing content piece

08
Module 8

From Learning to Leadership

What role do I play next?

Learning focus

  • Civic leadership pathways
  • Ethical influence
  • Long-term engagement

Applied outputPersonal action plan

Mandatory capstone

Every fellow builds something observable.

The capstone ensures that the programme produces more than private learning. Each fellow applies an idea through a credible public or community-facing project.

01

Host a campus or community dialogue

02

Publish an article or media piece

03

Launch a discussion circle

04

Collaborate with a local partner

By graduation

Fellows should be able to:

Think

Analyse incentives, institutions, trade-offs and unintended consequences.

Explain

Translate complex economic and policy ideas for non-technical audiences.

Engage

Discuss disagreement with intellectual honesty, confidence and respect.

Build

Turn learning into a practical capstone and a long-term leadership pathway.