LEAD Programme

What is the LEAD Programme?

The Leaders in Extractives and African Development (LEAD) Programme is a two weeks programme of one week of immersive learning run as a series of lectures and interactive learning in the Chemical  

Engineering Department at the UCT. In the second week, participants undertake a full programme of activities at the African Mining Indaba where they get the opportunity to interact and engage with CEOs, ministers, advisors and thought leaders, and have unparalleled access to the global conversations on strategic direction and trends. 

 

The LEAD Programme is designed to equip the next generation of leaders in the extractives sector with the skills required to tackle the paradox of great mineral wealth existing side by side with pervasive poverty as is the case in many African countries. The programme brings together a cohort of early career professionals who are working in or engaging with the extractives sector equipping them with leadership skills that will allow them to catalyse sustainable development across Africa.

Why do we need a programme like LEAD?

The African Union governments adopted the African Mining Vision (AMV) in 2009 to serve as Africa’s road map for strategically harnessing its mineral resources for broad-based sustainable development. The AMV is Africa’s own response to tackling the paradox of great mineral wealth existing side by side with pervasive poverty. It asks for the integration of the extractive sector into development policies at local, national and regional levels.

To successfully implement the AMV on a country-by-country basis, it is recognised that there will need to be much improved governance in the sector and a better understanding of international best practice and how to implement it. There is an urgent need for the people who are charged with making the AMV a reality in their home country to develop the required leadership skills, whether they sit in industry, government or civil society.

 

      

 

Programme Structure

Week One: Immersive Learning Core Topics

1. The implications of the changing global context for the extractive sector in Africa
2. The role of the extractive sector in contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals
   (SDGs)
3. Implementing the African Mining Vision
4. Leadership development and leadership practice
5. Managing complexity and ambiguity
6. Effective communication skills
7. Stakeholder engagement
8. Collaboration and partnerships

Week Two: Mining Indaba

The intentions of week two is to provide a range of practical opportunities to test and challenge some of the concepts presented in the first week with the current leaders in the sector.Opportunities are presented not only to attend talks but to meet and engage with industry leaders from the private and public sector as well as leaders from civil society. The group the comes together at the end of the week for a final debrief and reflection, sharing of experiences and
intelligence and planning for on-going peer engagement and support. The two-week schedule is designed to maximise the opportunity for professional development, networking, stretch thinking, innovative learning and reflection.

Who should apply?

The programme accepts applications from early career (˂ 40 years old) professionals working in and with the extractives sector in Africa. A high level of English proficiency is required. The program will be conducted in English, and will include group exercises and interaction with various stakeholders during presentations. Due to the highly interactive nature of this programme, it is not feasible to provide translation services.

           

 

How to apply

The program receives applications annually for enrolment into the program in the subsequent year. Visit this page or follow Minerals to Metals on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, to see the next call for applications.

For more info, email LEADProgramme@uct.ac.za.

LEAD Gallery