Hertie School launches Pan-African Alumni Network

On 29 April, the Hertie School marked a significant milestone in the growth of its global alumni community with the launch of the Pan-African Alumni Network (PAAN), its first formal alumni group in Africa. The virtual event brought together over 20 participants, including alumni involved in Africa-related policy and practice, as well as students who are members of the Africa Policy Club. 

Hertie alumni from and in Africa

Currently, the Hertie School has over 50 alumni from Africa, residing on the continent and in the diaspora. In addition, there are more than 20 alumni from other countries who are currently based in Africa. They hold a wide range of positions across various sectors, including leadership roles in prominent international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and foundations such as the German development agency GIZ, the United Nations and the Social Enterprise Development (SEND). Others serve as advisers in public administration, providing expertise that informs policy development and implementation. Some are active in the private sector, working as consultants or entrepreneurs, where they bring innovative solutions and strategies to various policy challenges. 

The first-ever recipient of the Hertie School Alumni Achievement Award was an alum from Ghana, Joseph Ayamga (MPP 2011), who was recognised for his outstanding professional and volunteer efforts in battling Ebola in the Kailahun district of Sierra Leone.

Network to strengthen ties among African alumni, students and the Hertie School

Opening the launch event, Dr Axel Baisch, the Managing Director of the Hertie School, shared an overview of the global Hertie alumni network and alumni community in Africa. He highlighted the school’s aspirations to increase student enrolment from the continent and commitment to strengthening connections among African alumni and the school.

Osita Abana (MIA 2020), the lead of the newly launched network, outlined the network’s vision and priorities, which include fostering professional connections; supporting knowledge-sharing and capacity-building regarding African public policy challenges; offering mentorship for students; and creating opportunities for collaboration among alumni, policymakers, businesses, and civil society organisations in Africa.

Read an interview with PAAN lead Osita Abana about his work.

A representative of the Hertie School Africa Policy Club, which promotes informed discussions on African public policy, economics and international affairs, also joined the event and spoke about the club’s goals and current initiatives, as well as how PAAN aligns with and can support their work.

The event was marked by enthusiasm for the launch of the new network, with participants eagerly discussing its potential and their readiness to get involved and support its growth. The lively and engaged conversation also covered ways to expand access to financial aid for African students and emphasised the importance of integrating more African perspectives into the Hertie School’s curriculum.

Hertie School alumni network

There are currently 17 Alumni Chapters and five Local Groups in the Hertie School’s global alumni network. These Alumni Chapters and Local Groups are spread over four continents and include Amsterdam, Bogotá, Boston, Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, London, Madrid, Milan, Mexico City, New Delhi, New York, North Italy, Paris, Rhineland, Rome, São Paulo, South Germany, Toronto, Vienna, Washington DC, and of course Berlin.

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