Africa New Managers’ Development Programme (NMDP)

Introduction

The programme is designed to ensure a seamless transition from self-management to managing others. It accelerates the development of new managers by equipping them with essential management and leadership competencies, enabling them to engage across diverse business disciplines and strengthen their business acumen. Through cutting-edge management and leadership techniques, the programme empowers participants to excel in their new roles, distinguish themselves within their organisations, and advance their careers It empowers them to build a strong sense of self-awareness and people management skills – enhancing their overall effectiveness as a new manager. It zooms in on personal mastery and their ability to lead themselves, as well as confidently respond to future challenges within and outside of their organisation. It focuses on the skills necessary to enhance their personal performance and facilitate team performance – contributing to their organisation’s overall internal effectiveness. It also zooms in on their ability to communicate effectively with teams, define work objectives, and manage conflicting priorities through effective delegation.

The programme is facilitated by faculty who are subject matter experts, with significant insight into the private and public sectors in Africa and globally. Participant profiles display diversity across cultures, country-specific industries, and roles, with the majority emanating from African corporates and public sector organisations. The programme places emphasis on the unique challenges of emerging markets, incorporating Africa-specific case studies to ensure relevance while still applying global best practices. Participants will develop a cross-disciplinary understanding and are encouraged to collaborate across diverse business environments and organisational contexts. While the theoretical frameworks and tools are universal, case studies and examples are drawn largely from the political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors that impact management and leadership on the African continent. Interactive discussion forums, and the associated project work, are therefore also within this context.

What our participants had to say

Thank you for a great NMDP course. Great presentation style with lots of opportunities to ask questions and talk about real life examples which all made for a really enjoyable and informative course. This has more than met my expectations. A wonderfully practical course - both personally and professionally.

Mafemani T. Maringa

The NMDP exposed me to a perspective and thought process that may have otherwise passed me by in these early days of my professional career. As a junior employee who has aspirations of a management position one day, the NMDP has provided me with a foundation to understand what my current manager expects of me – I am a firm believer in running the race before passing on the baton. Being 6 months out of the NMDP, the biggest lesson I’ve been able to apply constantly, is that communication is key. The why, how and who of a conversation in the workplace has the potential to exponentially affect productivity, relationships as well as personal satisfaction and validation. The course teaches you how to identify and handle the different types of personalities that you are probably going to come across at some point in your career. The NMDP allowed me to grow in the corporate world, without compromising the boundaries of the hierarchical position at my company. It gave me the green light to be confident in my ability, but not arrogant! I would recommend this course not only to aspiring managers, but also to individuals who wish to grow personally in their everyday lives.

Kuven Naidoo