This report explores how African governments and development partners address leadership and management capacity for education system leaders. Focusing on Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda, the study identifies critical gaps in leadership skills, data-driven decision-making, and inter-agency coordination, which hinder the implementation of national education policies. The research highlights the need for structured professional development, improved resource allocation, and stronger partnerships between ministries and stakeholders.

Findings suggest that while performance contracting is widely used to improve staff efficiency, its effectiveness is limited without complementary opportunities for leadership training. The study also examines international best practices from Vietnam and Canada, underscoring the role of structured leadership programs in strengthening education systems. Development partners play a crucial role but often provide fragmented, project-based support rather than long-term systemic solutions.

The report advocates for a Pan-African leadership initiative, systematic capacity-building efforts, and greater integration of leadership training within national education frameworks. It calls for a shift from short-term interventions to sustainable, evidence-based capacity development strategies.