School Leadership in Africa: A Continental Mapping Report

This report presents a continental mapping of school leadership in Africa, conducted by the African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL). It examines policies, professional development, research, and coordination mechanisms shaping school leadership systems. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study highlights growing recognition of school leadership as a key driver of education quality, while identifying major gaps in implementation, professionalisation, and alignment across countries.

The report emphasises the need for stronger policy coherence, institutionalised training, improved research and data use, enhanced stakeholder coordination, and greater focus on gender equity to strengthen school leadership and improve learning outcomes across Africa.