The African Leadership Initiative was founded by Isaac Shongwe in 2003 and forms part of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. ALI exists to convene, nurture and inspire a growing network of influential, civic-minded, values-based leaders who are committed to the “Good Society” and are prepared to act to promote it. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu said “Leadership and morality are indivisible. Good leaders are the custodians of morality”.

The ALI programme has two products: the programme itself and then events that occur throughout the year to compliment the programme and keep alumni engaged. The ALI programme has been a catalyst of many highly successful community projects such as the Bulungula Incubator, TeachSA, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and FUEL.