LeadUp

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Strengthening the future of African community-led conservation.→

The LeadUp East Africa program is transforming conservation leadership by empowering mid-level managers, strengthening organizations, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. Investing in emerging leaders ensures a strong, skilled, and connected leadership pipeline that will drive conservation success across Africa. LeadUp is a collaborative effort between Maliasili, Blue Ventures, and The Nature Conservancy to strengthen the future of African community-led conservation.

While senior leaders set the vision, middle managers drive daily operations, support teams, and influence organizational culture, yet they often lack access to formal leadership training. LeadUp provides rising stars with the tools, networks, and confidence to excel in their roles and shape the future of conservation in Africa.

The inaugural cohort included 30 participants from 15 organizations, representing a diverse mix of marine and terrestrial community-led conservation leaders.

In partnership with

"LeadUp is a rare opportunity, especially for young African conservationists. The experience has been eye-opening and transformative."
– Max Msacky, Assistant Programs Manager, Honeyguide
"If more young people are coached this way, I feel like conservation will be in safe hands."
– Andrew Lekisanyal, Senior Rangelands Officer, Grevy's Zebra Trust
“The week we spent together was an excellent chance for me to reflect on my leadership style and learn from other participants. I feel that I have gained valuable insights into effective leadership, and I appreciate the connections I’ve made."
– Titus Jefwa, COMRED

Strong Leaders. Effective Organisations. Transformative Impact.

237

African conservation leaders

79

Organisations

17

African
countries

Why middle management? →

Middle managers are the backbone of conservation organizations—serving as the bridge between senior leadership and frontline teams, ensuring that strategic decisions are effectively implemented. However, despite their critical role in team cohesion, operational success, and organizational sustainability, emerging conservation leaders rarely receive the structured leadership training needed to grow into their roles. The LeadUp program is designed to address critical leadership gaps in conservation organizations by equipping middle managers with essential skills to lead teams, influence decision-making, and drive long-term impact.

Objectives and Impact →

LeadUp East Africa is more than a leadership course–it creates a lasting network of conservation leaders who continue to support and learn from each other beyond the program. Participants gain practical leadership skills, stronger self-awareness, and a trusted peer network to help them navigate conservation challenges. 

Key Objectives:

  • Strengthen leadership capacity within community-based conservation organizations.
  • Bridge the gap between frontline staff and senior leadership, ensuring effective execution of strategies.
  • Foster a culture of mentorship and professional growth to improve leadership succession.
  • Build cross-sector collaboration, enabling conservation leaders to navigate partnerships and policy influence.

By investing in emerging leaders, conservation organizations can retain top talent, stengtehn internal leadership structures, and create a culture of growth and innovation. 

LeadUp follows the same curriculum as the other programs, designed to develop self-awareness, strengthen team leadership, and foster collaboration. Each course includes online learning, coaching, and in-person workshops, creating a comprehensive leadership experience.

Our leadership programs →

Our leadership programs equip conservation leaders with the skills, knowledge and networks to strengthen their organizations and scale their impact. Each program is tailored to address specific regional, sectoral, and leadership needs, supporting conservation leaders at different career stages. Through a blend of peer learning, coaching, and immersive training, participants develop essential leadership capabilities while building lifelong connections with fellow leaders.

African Conservation Leadership Network (ACLN)

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African Marine Conservation Leadership Program (AMCLP)

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Lead Up

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Madagascar Environmental Leadership Program (MELP)

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Leaders Lab KAZA

Coming Soon
Maliasili exists to help talented local conservation organizations overcome their challenges and constraints so that they can become more effective agents of change in their landscapes, communities, and nations.

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