Swedish Institute Management Programme Africa

Are you an ambitious and innovative leader who wants to learn how to bridge the gap between desire and action on sustainability? Then join the Swedish Institute Management Programme 2023.

Sustainable business

Available for Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia

Application closed

Overview How to apply FAQ

Overview

In a world facing urgent and significant human, social and environmental challenges, we know that there are many people who want to contribute to positive fundamental change.

Being part of the ‘sustainability transformation’ is one way that individuals can make a real difference – for businesses, communities and for the planet. We invite ambitious and innovative leaders from Africa who want to learn how to bridge the gap between desire and action on sustainability to join us as part of the Swedish Institute Management Programme 2023, and work in collaboration with like-minded people in their region, to help tackle these challenges, and lead their businesses to success through sustainable business practices. Because the speed and scale of change that the world desperately needs cannot be achieved in isolation.

At the Swedish Institute, we have created unique development programme which brings together people from different African countries in an enhanced collaborative environment, where they can co-create solutions between business and other sector organisations in your country which have a genuine chance of success.

The Swedish Institute Management Programme (SIMP) offers you proven tools and knowledge from experts who can help you to put sustainability at the heart of your strategy and take your leadership to the next level. The programme is based on Sweden’s prominent position in innovation and sustainable business – and its connection to the global economy.

A core outcome of the programme is for every participant to work with your organisation and implement sustainability strategically. You will formulate the actions and plan on the needs of your organisation and its stakeholders.

The programme runs online and at local conference venues between April 2023 – December 2023, including one week in Sweden. SIMP offers coaching, interactive workshops and lectures, as well as meetings with representatives from companies and organisations in Sweden. SIMP is a challenging and interactive programme that requires your active participation and contribution. It is not a series of one-way lectures.   

What will the programme give you?

In-depth knowledge and skills about sustainable business practices with a focus on human rights, climate and the environment, decent working conditions and anti-corruption.
Capacity and knowledge to lead change and implement sustainable business practices in your own organisation.
Insights into business cases for sustainability in Sweden, one of the leading countries in sustainable business practice.
Customised expert coaching based on your organisation’s and your own personal needs.
A unique opportunity of close collaboration and exchange with colleagues at your own level from several other countries, developing strong, long-lasting professional networks.
Access to the global Swedish Institute alumni network with leaders who are committed to sustainable business and responsible leadership.

Who can apply?

If you are highly motivated to run your business in a sustainable way and promote sustainable business practices in your country; and you also have the mandate to drive to drive strategies throughout your business – then the answer is you!

In addition:

You are a citizen and resident of Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda or Zambia.
You are between 25 and 50 years old (born 1972–1996).
You work for an enterprise. We are looking for business leaders who are already CEO´s or senior managers of small or medium–sized enterprises, or managers of a significant and distinct department of a large enterprise, who have responsibility for the profits of their business.
You have an entrepreneurial mindset and a track record of making things happen.
You are willing to support and share your experience and knowledge with other participants.
You have a high level proficiency in both written and spoken English.
You have a post-secondary education.
You have access to high speed internet for interactive video meetings

A man in front of a computer. — Photo: Margareta Bloom Sandebaeck

Programme structure, format and timeline

SIMP Africa 2022 takes place from April-December 2023 and is a hybrid programme with important parts online, where various digital tools and set-ups will give you a unique, varied and interactive learning experience. The digital parts of SIMP enable learning to take place over an extended period, allowing time for reflection as well as the opportunity for continuous work, both individually and together with other participants. Those that have completed required programme tasks, will be invited to a programme week in Sweden in October/November.

Costs covered and arranged by Swedish Institute

Training and content
Conference facilities for meetings locally (i.e. in capitals), and hotel if you don’t live in the capital.
Flights to and from Sweden for the programme week.
Accommodation, most meals, most transportation and insurance while in Sweden.

How to apply

1. Apply - 11 Jan 2023 - 13 Feb 2023

Only applicants who have submitted a complete application will be considered for the programme. To apply for the Swedish Institute Management Progamme, please go to the application portal and select what programme you would like to apply for.

These are the steps you need to go through to submit your application:

Register your profile in the application portal.
Select what programme you would like to apply for.
Answer all the questions for the different sections in the application portal (found in the left-hand menu).
Upload your CV and a recommendation letter from your employer under the document section, a photo under another section. CV is mandatory, a recommendation letter is not but however recommended. A template is available here.
After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

For any issues regarding the application you can reach out to the recruitment team on the following email [email protected]

2. Screening of applications - 15 Feb 2023 - 14 Apr 2023

The applications will be evaluated according to the following selection criteria:

The relevance and quality of personal motivation, commitment, and the applicant’s answers in the SIMP application.
A broad assessment of the suitable experience and qualifications.
The general qualifications of the applicant.
The willingness and readiness of the applicant’s company/organisation to work for sustainable business, and its motivation to implement new learnings from the programme.

3. Admission - 17 Apr 2023 - 17 Apr 2023

FAQ

What do you mean by "hybrid" programme?
I work full-time, do I still have time to attend the programme?

Yes, it’s certainly possible and almost all participants do work full-time. Our live sessions are during the traditional working week, so you will need to book time into your calendar for those. Additional activities such as recorded material and group tasks can be completed at the time in the week that suits you. Overall, the estimated time commitment during modules is up to 10 hours per week. In addition to this, participants that have completed all assignments will be invited to a programme week in Sweden in October. That week is intense and you will not be able to work on your regular job.
What happens if I miss one of the live sessions?
What equipment is required of me to be able to participate?

We encourage you to take part in the live sessions on a device with a keyboard so you can interact fully and engage with the other participants. You cannot take part in SIMP by just “listening in” through a smartphone. You need to be able to chat, share, discuss, and co-create with others with your camera on. You also need access to high speed internet.
What kind of digital tools and platforms will be used in the programme?
If I'm from a country that is not listed on si.se/simpafrica - can I still apply?

No, unfortunately that’s not possible. We can only accept candidates who are citizens of one of our programme countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. We are not able to make any exceptions to the eligibility requirements, or temporarily consider a new country. At this point we do not have any plans to add any new countries. Please check this link for other leadership programmes that might include your country of citizenship.
Where do I send my application?
Can SI provide me with feedback on my application?

The SIMP Programme is very competitive, and SI receives thousands of applications every year and can only accept 30 per region. Due to the large number of applications received, SI does not have the resources to discuss individual application or provide feedback. Nor does SI have the possibility to accept any late submissions of documents or make any changes to individual applications.

We thank you for your understanding.

Photo: Velos Photography 

"This programme is a practical asset in a transformative leader’s toolkit. I have many amazing takeouts but one of my best is on the power of empathy and inclusion, and its impact on building an accountable workforce. My favourite quote: ’It’s not just offering seats at the table. It’s lifting voices to sing. The Voice of the Employee must be elevated to sustain a healthy corporate culture'."

Sheila Mugusia , Chief Manager Public Relations & Communication,  Kenya Revenue Authority .

Photo: Velos Photography 

Photo: Melker Dahlstrand

"The active listening lesson on responsible leadership, was an eye opener for me as a team leader, to learn and improve my leadership skills and the art of listening. This improved the psychological safety of my team and our teams started being open at expressing different gaps and loops that were closed and it improved company performance."

Fred Kwizera, Operation director/Board of director, Eden farm ltd, Rwanda

Photo: Melker Dahlstrand

Photo: Kapungwe Mbaluku, Tahilla Art 

"The SIMP Africa programme has not only made me a better leader but has enriched my knowledge and understanding of how each person can make our planet a better place today and for the future. I will leverage on the insights obtained from SIMP to focus on sustainable capital raises and reporting obligations from a regulatory perspective."

Diana Sichone ,Commission Secretary and Director  Enforcement and Legal Services, Securities and Exchange Commission, Zambia 

Photo: Kapungwe Mbaluku, Tahilla Art 

Photo: Africolour Labs Limited

"As a corporate banking practitioner for several years, sustainability - or ESG - has been an integral part of financing transactions. However, joining the SIMP 2022 programme not only expanded my horizons but also exposed me to learnings on a whole spectrum of sustainability. It covered all the pertinent topics by way of practical, experiential learnings. Sharing the programme with other participants from a number of African countries and from different economic sectors has also been enriching."

Godfrey Mambo ,Senior Corporate Banker, Corporate Lending, Africa, Rabobank Kenya Representative Office

Photo: Africolour Labs Limited

Photo: Melker Dahlstrand

"My main takeaway from the programme is psychological safety in organisations and institutions because it´s one concept that should be integral to a work environment if we want to increase productivity and trust. And I never thought I would be able to learn so much, especially from the Swedish and Nordic models. I would encourage anyone who is interested in learning to apply, the programme will open your world in a whole new way. "

Kidist Desta, Senior International Relations Officer, The Eastern and Southern Africa Trade and Development Bank

Photo: Melker Dahlstrand

Photo: Leon Muli

"You think you know about sustainability, but the programme teaches you what it really means and gives practical examples. The programme was a fantastic experience that exceeded my expectations."

Faith Nkatha Gitonga, Country Director for fintech company, Cellulant Corporation.

Read full testimonial.

Photo: Leon Muli

Contact details

Programme manager
Anna Lithagen
[email protected]

Questions regarding the application process
simp.africa@business-sweden.se

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