Pan-African network with global reach
We connect exceptional students from across Africa, strengthening peer learning, global collaboration, and long-term leadership networks that extend beyond borders.
African Leadership Bridge
Empowering Africa’s next generation of leaders
Founded in 2007, ALB partners with the University of Texas at Austin, where each dollar raised is matched 7:1 through an in-state tuition waiver. We’re building a $1.6M endowment to fund four full-ride scholarships in perpetuity.
25+
Students graduated
2007
Founded
$1.6M
Campaign to 2027
“We don’t just give them a check and say, ‘See you later.’”John Kidenda, board member
The beginning
A meeting, then a rescue, then a nonprofit.
In 2006, UT alum Rick Reeder met Kenyan student John Kidenda through the Texas Exes job-shadowing program. When a family illness put John’s degree at risk, Rick and a small group of friends raised the fees so he could finish. In 2007 they formed African Leadership Bridge as a 501(c)(3).
The multiplier
Five thousand dollars unlocks a 7-to-1 return.
For every $5,000 ALB provides, UT offers about $34,000 in tuition benefits, dropping annual costs from about $50,000 to about $11,000.
Vision
A world where African leaders advance a more prosperous, interconnected future.
In partnership with the University of Texas at Austin, we shape exceptional African leaders through world class education, mentorship, and deep community engagement.
Leveraged, sustainable investment
Our endowed scholarship model multiplies each dollar’s impact while providing students access to world-class education, networks, and long-term opportunity.
Embedded, high-touch support where students are
We are physically present alongside our students, providing access to consistent mentorship, community, networks and accountability that strengthens outcomes during their time at university and beyond.