Kwali, Nigeria – A significant step toward strengthening agricultural leadership in Africa was taken yesterday as SCL Future Food Systems (SCL) and Consulus inaugurated their co-created leadership development program at the SCL Farm in Kwali. This new initiative, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, officially kicks off the SCL School of Leadership, aiming to equip thousands of impact leaders in the agricultural sector.
The collaboration brings together Consulus’s nearly two decades of experience in custom leadership design and impact investment strategies with SCL’s deep understanding of regenerative agriculture and African leadership. The program’s initial sessions, largely guided by the SCL team, were met with strong positive feedback, focusing on core leadership tenets, values, and fostering communities driven by purpose.
Lawrence Chong, Group CEO of Consulus noted the ambitious scope of this venture with SCL, emphasizing the collaborative design process that incorporated invaluable insights from SCL colleagues in the field. The program is set to reach thousands of leaders, embracing a holistic approach that blends local wisdom with global best practices.
A cornerstone of this program is its recognition that Western leadership models aren’t directly transferable. Instead, it champions a distinct African leadership philosophy that connects “the soul, to the soil and to the spirit of being one human family.” This approach, which includes spiritual elements and respects diverse cultural perspectives, reflects Consulus’s extensive background in developing leadership solutions across Asia, North America, and now Africa.
An SCL representative described the experience as “transformational for all participants!” They extended thanks to Lawrence Chong and Helena Pham for their technical support, adding, “We couldn’t have done this without you. We believe that we will witness the rise of purposeful leaders in Africa, in our organizations and communities. This session is over but it has ignited the growth trajectory for Africa’s true personal and organizational leaders who will become the changemakers of the future! The seeds of change have been planted, we will shape and sustain these values!”
Farmers presenting, during class 1 (External program)
Participants of Class 1 for internal stakeholders
Another SCL voice enthusiastically added, “Yes we did! Thank you Helena for the countless hours of brainstorming and commitment to the School of Leadership. We have started a great thing for Africa! We are all excited to see how this seed shapes into a sustainable future for all our visionary leaders going forward.”
SCL leaders share their personal experience on Integrity
Helena Pham, Managing Partner of Partnerships and Changemakers at Consulus also shared her congratulations, stating, “Big congratulations to all the grassroots leaders joining Class 1: SCL Principles of Personal Leadership today at SCL Kwali Farm, Kwali, Nigeria. Your decision to embark on this journey is courageous and timely — because Africa’s agriculture is calling for changemakers like you. Consulus is glad to play our part as the technical support partner — supporting leaders who are shaping a better, more resilient future for their communities.”
SCL School of Leadership – Class 1 (Internal program) wrap up
Beyond leadership development, SCL and Consulus are also collaborating on crucial impact investment aspects, including technology and microfinancing. This effort is part of a broader global initiative to revolutionize access to capital for social impact enterprises, with a major announcement anticipated soon in Rome.
“The time has come for African Leadership Thinking,” a sentiment shared by both teams, highlights the program’s dedication to fostering self-determination in thought and leadership within Africa. The program celebrates the commitment of grassroots leaders and farmers, who are poised to become agents of change, driving progress and improvement in their communities and building a more resilient future for African agriculture.
About Sa’I Anwara ’I’ Jumai Consultaire Limited (SCL)
SCL is an indigenous agro-allied enterprise established in 2010. The cornerstone of SCL’s operation lies in an expertly skilled technical workforce, overseen by a leadership team boasting a combined 150 years of corporate management expertise. At SCL, the vision of revolutionizing agriculture and fostering sustainable progress is rooted in the values of excellence, innovation, and community well-being to uplift farmers and enhance livelihoods.
Read more on the partnership between Consulus and SCL: Consulus expands global reach with SCL, champions innovation in Africa
