Redefining Leadership in Africa: A Call for Integrity, Vision, and People-Centred Change

Africa is vast, complex, and beautiful yet continues to face persistent challenges related to maladministration and ineffective leadership.

For too long, the story told about us has echoed lines of corruption.

Governance deficits and weak leadership have, unfortunately, become defining concerns across many parts of the continent.

This significantly hinders progress.

A key contributor to this challenge is the lack of commitment and social responsibility among some leaders, which fosters social conflict and fuels crime and instability.

This pattern not only undermines societal cohesion, but also impedes sustainable development.

The resulting environment has become a significant barrier to the socio-economic and political growth of African societies.

In the 21st century, the absence of accountable and visionary leadership presents a major obstacle to advancement.

However, there is a growing movement across the continent that seeks to challenge and redefine these narratives.

On 31 January 2025, I had the distinct honour of being selected as one of the inaugural fellows of the prestigious Elevate Africa Fellowship, representing Namibia.

Having grown up in a context where Africa was frequently portrayed as a continent burdened by poor leadership, this fellowship offered me a transformative experience that revealed the richness, resilience, and rising potential of African leadership.

Through Elevate Africa, I encountered a diverse and inspiring group of leaders committed to reshaping the future of the continent.

Among them were Queen Olori Atuwatse the third of the Warri Kingdom and the visionary behind Elevate Africa, Yemi Osinbajo, former vice president of Nigeria, and my Elevate Africa fellows representing diverse nations across the continent.

The contributions of these leaders reaffirm the belief that Africa’s potential can be unlocked through leadership grounded in humility, vision, dedication, and service.

This experience has shaped my conviction that leadership must begin at the individual level.

To change the trajectory of our continent, those outside the growing movement seeking to redefine Africa’s narrative must embrace a leadership model defined by intentionality, inclusion, authenticity, service, and sustainable impact.

It is no longer sufficient to place hope solely in political office or high-level policy.

Leadership must also emerge from communities, civil society, and everyday citizens who are willing to act with integrity and purpose.

It is imperative that the people of Africa recognise that ethical and value-driven leadership is not just desirable, it is essential.

It is the key to transforming governance systems, restoring trust in public institutions, and unlocking the continent’s socio-economic and political potential.

Leadership in Africa must be redefined, not merely through strategic frameworks, but also through personal conviction, community engagement, and a collective sense of responsibility.

True leadership uplifts others, creates equitable opportunities, listens with empathy, and remains rooted in humility and service.

It is dynamic, innovative, intergenerational, and inclusive.

Above all, leadership begins with us as individuals, as communities, and as a continent.

To move Africa forward, we must cultivate a renewed commitment to integrity, civic responsibility, and people-centred leadership.

Only then can we reshape the narrative of Africa from one of crisis to one of promise, innovation, and lasting change.

• Elina Amadhila is an inaugural Elevate Africa fellow representing Namibia. She is also a researcher and senior lecturer at the University of Namibia.

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