In a transformative move poised to reshape the leadership and governance landscape in East Africa, CEO East Africa Magazine and the League of East African Directors (LEAD) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at elevating boardroom effectiveness, leadership visibility, and governance excellence across the region.
The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Muhereza Kyamutetera, Executive Editor of CEO East Africa Magazine, and Trevor Ariho, CEO of LEAD, brings together two institutions with a shared mission: to create meaningful platforms for knowledge-sharing, strategic dialogue, and the celebration of leadership excellence.
“This partnership is a natural fit,” said Kyamutetera. “LEAD brings together some of the most respected and influential boardroom voices in East Africa, and CEO East Africa offers the media platform and storytelling capacity to showcase their impact. Together, we will shape the conversation around leadership and corporate governance.”
At its core, the collaboration will leverage the strengths of both organisations—LEAD’s unparalleled network of non-executive directors and board professionals and CEO East Africa’s powerful media reach and editorial influence, which touches over two million business decision-makers and policy influencers monthly.
Media Meets Strategy: A Catalyst for Regional Impact
Under the new partnership, CEO East Africa Magazine will provide exclusive editorial and media support to LEAD’s flagship initiatives, including the LEAD Annual Convention and the prestigious Non-Executive Director (NED) Awards. In return, LEAD will recognise CEO East Africa as an official media partner, facilitating deeper engagement between the magazine and its ecosystem of directors and board leaders across the region.
The collaboration is not limited to traditional media coverage. The two institutions plan to co-create a broad range of thought leadership and learning experiences—from leadership forums and executive training programs to curated blogs, podcasts, whitepapers, and research reports.
“We believe that leadership visibility is critical in today’s complex business landscape,” said Ariho. “Partnering with CEO East Africa Magazine allows us to tell the stories that matter, celebrate excellence, and empower our members with tools and insights that drive boardroom transformation.”
Building the Future of Board Leadership in East Africa
The alliance marks a significant milestone in the journey to professionalise board governance in the region. With growing complexity in global and regional markets, and increasing demands for transparency, sustainability, and innovation, the role of directors has never been more critical.
Both CEO East Africa and LEAD recognise this moment as an opportunity to elevate not just the individuals who lead, but the institutions they govern. By combining high-quality media storytelling with boardroom advocacy and capacity-building, the partnership aims to set new benchmarks for what leadership can—and should—look like in East Africa.
About the Partners
CEO East Africa Magazine, founded in 2008, is Uganda’s oldest and most respected business-only publication, providing authoritative coverage on leadership, finance, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It has built a trusted voice among corporate decision-makers across the region.
LEAD (League of East African Directors) is a professional network committed to equipping boards for sustainable success. Initiatives such as the NED Awards and the LEAD Annual Convention provide a platform for board directors to connect, learn, and grow.