This document presents the ACSL Practice Framework for Afrocentric School Leadership, a practical guide developed to strengthen school leadership and professional development across Africa by grounding leadership practice in African values, knowledge systems, and cultural traditions. Developed by the African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL), the framework responds to the need for leadership approaches that reflect the continent’s diverse educational realities while complementing internationally recognised leadership models. It provides policymakers, school leaders, and professional development providers with a coherent framework for building more effective, inclusive, and culturally relevant education systems.
The document defines Afrocentric school leadership as a values-driven approach rooted in philosophies such as Ubuntu, Sankofa, Ujamaa, and Seriti, emphasising ethical leadership, collective responsibility, community participation, and indigenous knowledge. It translates these principles into five leadership pathways: developing organisational vision and culture, improving teaching and learning, supporting teacher professional development and wellbeing, strengthening family–school partnerships, and advancing gender equality and social inclusion. The framework also outlines principles for effective professional development, including mentoring, collaborative learning, applied practice, value-based leadership, and culturally responsive facilitation.
By integrating African philosophies with evidence-based leadership practices, the document offers a practical roadmap for developing school leaders who can improve educational quality, equity, learner wellbeing, and sustainable school improvement across the African continent.