About Ashesi
The mission of Ashesi University is to educate a new generation of ethical, entrepreneurial leaders in Africa; to cultivate within our students the critical thinking skills, the concern for others, and the courage it will take to transform a continent.
A singular philosophy has driven Ashesi’s community since our inception: Africa’s future progress, or the lack of it, is intertwined with what is happening in African universities.
College-educated Africans significantly influence the economic and social engine of the continent. To safeguard Africa’s future, we must be intentional about how we educate the students on the continent who will inevitably become its leaders.
In 1997, Patrick Awuah retired from Microsoft to pursue his vision of establishing a new kind of university in Africa. In 2002, we opened our doors to a pioneering class of 30 students.
Top 10
in Africa in Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings
50%
of students receive financial aid, and 25% pay nothing to attend
1,500
undergraduate and graduate students, of whom 50% are women
34
countries represented by students and alumni
Ashesi is governed by a board that oversees and safeguards the university’s progress in meeting its mission.
The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the University, and is accountable to the Board of Directors.
The Executive Team assists the President in setting the vision and strategy of the university, and in guiding the organization to achieve its goals.
What is Ashesi’s culture? How do we make decisions, and how do we act every day? The Ashesi Way is a set of guidelines for decision making and behaviour grounded in Ashesi’s founding principles. It is based on the fundamental premise that our daily actions, no matter how small they may seem, make all the difference in determining the end that we seek.
- Consistently striving for deeper expertise
- Asking questions that broaden the conversation
- Embracing fresh thinking
- Connecting with others in our chosen fields
- Proactively sharing skills and knowledge with others
- Helping colleagues be more successful
- Engaging talents, experiences, and capabilities of others
- Communicating effectively
- Taking initiative and going beyond the call of duty
- Setting ambitious yet attainable goals
- Being socially and environmentally conscious
- Recognizing long-term implications of decisions and actions
- Having fun
- Being ethical
- Leaving a lasting impact on individuals, organizations, and communities
A growing network of centres and initiatives amplifies our work in areas ranging from culture and climate innovation to healthcare and venture incubation.
Ashesi University is supported by Ashesi University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax‐exempt organization registered as a nonprofit corporation in the state of Washington, USA.