August 18, 2026-Bahir Dar: Nile Executive Leadership Academy (NELA) alumni came together virtually on August 18, 2026, for a consultative meeting to explore the various ways graduates can continue contributing to the Academy and to one another.

The meeting served as a platform for alumni to reflect on their ongoing relationship with the Academy and to identify concrete avenues for engagement going forward. Discussions touched on a wide range of areas, including supporting the training of upcoming cohorts, mentoring Young Leadership graduates, mobilizing resources for the Academy, advocating the academy and strengthening networking among alumni.

A key theme that emerged from the discussion was the value of bringing alumni of both regular and young Leadership Training program together under one roof. Participants agreed that establishing a single, unified NELA Alumni Network would provide a stronger foundation for the various forms of engagement discussed, from mentoring and training support to resource mobilization and collaboration.

As one concrete step toward realizing this broader vision, the meeting agreed to form a committee to develop the foundational document and framework for establishing a formal NELA Alumni Association. This framework will, in time, guide the election of permanent alumni leadership and help structure how alumni organize themselves to carry out the wider engagement priorities identified during the meeting and beyond.

Committee members volunteered from across cohorts who will work closely with the Young Leadership alumni executives have been approved with clear roles and responsibilities.

Establishing the alumni association is just one part of a broader effort by NELA alumni to deepen their engagement with the Academy. As the committee moves forward with drafting the framework, alumni are expected to continue exploring further opportunities for training involvement, mentorship, and resource mobilization in support of the Academy's mission.