His latest work, Purposeful Leadership for Africa in the 21st Century, presents a compelling argument for the need to redefine leadership on the continent and address the challenges hindering Africa’s progress.

Professor Nkuhlu, who has decades of experience in business and leadership, is a strong proponent of purposeful leadership, a concept he believes is essential for Africa's sustainable development. In an exclusive interview on Channel Africa, Nkuhlu shared his insights on the book and the leadership model he envisions for Africa.

A vision for Africa’s development

At the heart of  Nkuhlu’s message is the idea that Africa can rise above its challenges by addressing the root causes of its underdevelopment. He argues that the gap in science and technology between Africa and the rest of the world, particularly Europe, is the key barrier to progress. While Europe advanced through the scientific and industrial revolutions, Africa was left behind. In his book, he stresses that Africa must take intentional steps to close this gap, particularly through education and technology.

He draws a comparison with successful Asian nations, which have bridged the gap by prioritising education, science, and technology. “The Asian tigers, Japan, and China all closed the technological gap by focusing on education and a scientific mindset,” Nkuhlu explains. He urges African leaders to do the same, with an emphasis on creating educational systems that foster scientific thinking and technological skills.

The role of leadership in Africa's transformation

For Africa to realise its full potential, the right leadership is crucial. According to Nkuhlu, leadership must be anchored in certain core principles: personal mastery, a scientific mindset, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Africans. He asserts that leaders should be driven not by political or personal gain, but by a desire to uplift their people and create a society where every citizen can thrive.

One of the key challenges facing Africa, according to  him, is the lack of political will to tackle the continent’s educational shortcomings. Despite the promises made by liberation movements to reform education, many African nations still grapple with poor educational systems that fail to equip young people with the skills needed for the modern economy.

“We have a crisis of leadership in education,” Nkuhlu notes, “and this is a major barrier to Africa’s progress.” He calls for African leaders to transform education by ensuring it equips the youth with the knowledge and skills required to participate in the global economy.

A call to action for Africa’s youth

With Africa’s youth making up a significant portion of the population, Nkuhlu believes that young people hold the key to the continent’s future. However, he stresses that for young people to lead the way, they must first receive a quality education, particularly in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

He also emphasises the importance of technical education and vocational training, which he believes are underdeveloped across the continent. Without investment in training teachers and improving educational infrastructure, Africa’s youth will remain underprepared for the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“We need leaders who are committed to transforming education and developing the capabilities of the people,” he states. “Without a proper foundation in mathematics and technical skills, we will fail to integrate Africa into the global economy.”

Rwanda as a model of purposeful leadership

In discussing leaders who embody the principles of purposeful leadership, Nkuhlu points to Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame as a shining example. Under Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has made significant strides in development, particularly in education and technology.

Kagame’s disciplined, long-term approach to leadership, coupled with a commitment to democratic values, has earned him widespread respect. Nkuhlu believes that Kagame’s success lies in his ability to focus on the greater good, prioritising national development over personal or political gain.

“He understands that leadership is not about self-interest but about improving the welfare of the people,” says Nkuhlu. “His leadership has brought Rwanda from the brink of disaster to being a model of growth and development.”

A call to aspiring leaders

Nkuhlu’s book is not just a reflection of his own thoughts on leadership but a call to action for future African leaders. He urges young Africans, particularly university students, to consider what motivates them to lead and to be driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference. For Nkuhlu, leadership is not about power or prestige; it is about serving the people and prioritising their needs above all else.

The message is clear: Africa’s future hinges on a new generation of leaders who are committed to closing the technological gap, improving education, and prioritising the welfare of the people. If the continent is to break free from the cycle of poverty, it requires leaders who can steer it toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

--ChannelAfrica--