ASG: Governance & leadership crisis root of Africa’s development challenges

Governance and leadership crisis have long been identified as fundamental issues underlying Africa's developmental challenges. Kingsley Moghalu, the President of the African School of Governance, emphasized this point during a conversation with CNBC Africa at the 8th Annual Babacar Ndiaye lecture. Moghalu highlighted the significance of Babacar Ndiaye, the visionary former President of the African Development Bank, as a driving force behind Africa's economic initiatives. He emphasized the importance of recognizing figures like Ndiaye, who contributed to Africa's development trajectory. Reflecting on Ndiaye's legacy, Moghalu underlined the critical role of strategy, enterprise risk management, negotiation, and other practical skills in shaping the future leaders of Africa. The Babacar Ndiaye lecture serves as an annual tribute to Ndiaye's legacy, with this year's focus on climate change choices for Africa. The discourse centered around the necessity for African nations to collaborate and adopt a unified stance on addressing the implications of climate change on their developmental paths. Moghalu raised the dilemma faced by African countries, being urged to reduce carbon emissions despite their reliance on fossil-fuel-driven economies. The discussion explored transitioning towards cleaner energy sources, such as natural gas, to mitigate global warming effects. In addition to his involvement in the Babacar Ndiaye lecture, Moghalu spoke about the African School of Governance initiative. Founded by various African political leaders and supported by philanthropists and academics, the ASG aims to cultivate a new generation of competent leaders equipped to tackle Africa's complex challenges. Moghalu was selected as the inaugural President of the ASG, with a vision to establish a premier educational institution delivering practical skills essential for Africa's transformation. The ASG's curriculum emphasizes not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on expertise in areas like strategy, enterprise risk management, and negotiation. The institution plans to offer a Master of Public Administration program, executive education for senior executives, and specialized programs for young professionals and senior leadership fellows. Through a comprehensive approach encompassing education, research, and policy engagement, the ASG aims to impart relevant skills and mindsets directly into African governance structures, civil society, and the private sector. Moghalu envisions the ASG as more than just a university; it represents a movement towards a distinctive form of leadership in Africa. By nurturing a cadre of capable leaders armed with practical skills and a deep understanding of governance principles, the ASG seeks to address the root cause of Africa's developmental challenges: the governance and leadership crisis.