What does it take to design development policies that truly deliver for people on the ground? This question guided a dynamic panel the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program co-hosted with the Harvard Center for International Development and the Harvard University Center for African Studies, featuring four distinguished African ministers:

Hon. Pius Mokgware, Minister of Employment and Labor, Botswana
Hon. Roland Layfette Giddings, Minister of Public Works, Liberia
Hon. George Opare-Addo, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Ghana
Hon. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State for Education, Nigeria

The conversation went beyond policy to highlight how innovative thinking is driving change on the continent. From expanding infrastructure to meet 21st-century needs, to equipping young people with skills and opportunities, to reimagining education and creating pathways for decent work, each minister shared practical approaches grounded in their country’s experience.