For more than two decades, the African Nutrition Leadership Programme (ANLP) of the North-West University (NWU) has been shaping the future of nutrition leadership on the continent. Since its first programme in 2002, this flagship 10-day residential initiative, hosted annually at the NWU, has developed over 500 professionals from more than 40 African countries. This year alone this flagship programme will reach close to 50 professionals from 10 African countries.

Participants represent a wide range of sectors, including academia, non-governmental organisations and government departments, all united by a shared commitment to improving nutrition and public health across Africa.

A powerful network of change-makers

According to Dr Christine Taljaard-Krugell, the ANLP has built “an active, strong and deeply collaborative” network of professionals. This is one of the most effective platforms for driving change in nutrition across the continent.
The programme offers far more than a conventional training course. It is an intensive learning journey that combines reflection, teamwork and self-discovery. Participants are encouraged to “lead from where they stand”, developing the confidence and insight needed to influence change in their own organisations and communities.

Resilience and renewal

In 2019, the ANLP marked a major milestone by hosting two full 10-day programmes for the first time, responding to a growing demand for leadership development in the nutrition field. That momentum was soon tested by the COVID-19 pandemic, which challenged the programme to adapt and maintain its sense of connection.

Despite restrictions, a 2020 programme took place successfully with 24 participants (five men and 19 women) from 11 countries, even as some faced travel disruptions in South Africa and at Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi. The 2022 cohort was kept small, with 13 participants from nine countries. The programme returned to full strength in 2024, welcoming 24 participants (eight men and 16 women) from eight countries.

Participants consistently describe their ANLP experience as “transformative” and “life-changing”, a reflection of the continued focus of the programme on self-leadership, teamwork and practical impact.

Expanding reach and influence

Interest in the ANLP continues to grow, with over 400 applications having been received for the 2025 and 2026 programmes. Each programme accommodates around 30 participants, and to meet the increasing demand, two sessions will again be hosted in both years. A full evaluation is also underway to assess long-term impact and guide future development.

In addition, an online NWU short course, Leadership essentials in public health, led by Dr Cornelia Conradie, has been developed to expand leadership training in public health and strengthen progress toward the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

As Prof. Johann Jerling, director of the ANLP, notes: “Leading change in nutrition is, and will remain, central to what we do – it is essential to addressing our continent’s most pressing needs.”