By Felix Khanoba
At the 2024 Africa Conference hosted by the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), influential leaders and policymakers have emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive transformation of Africa’s political and governance systems.
The event, held in Abuja, focused on equipping future leaders with the necessary tools and environment to drive systemic change across the continent.
Addressing the conference themed “Good Governance in Africa: Leaders and Citizens Driving Systemic Change,” the founder of SPPG, Obiageli Ezekwesili, explained that the forum’s mission is to shift the thinking of upcoming leaders across Africa.
“When governing, whether at the local, state, or national level in your countries, you’re not just governing for the immediate population you see—you are governing for Africa,” Ezekwesili stated. “We want leaders to adopt a mindset that pursues solutions for Africa with exponential impact and interconnected outcomes.
“Research clearly shows that Africa’s development challenge stems from the absence of good governance. If we have the evidence identifying poor governance as our ailment, we must tackle it as a sensible people. The solution is the development of a new political mindset and culture,” she added.
Keynote speaker Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings also stressed the importance of engaging women and youth in political processes and decision-making across the continent, stating that the era of passive participation is over.
“Those who believe they have something to contribute to their countries should recognize that grassroots participation is fundamental. Grassroots does not mean uninformed or uneducated—it is the bedrock of decision-making,” Rawlings said. “If you think you’re too prominent to engage at the grassroots level, you risk leaving leadership choices in the hands of others who may not share your vision.”
Alero Ayida-Otobo, Chief Executive Officer of the SPPG, pointed out that the absence of good governance remains a significant obstacle to development in Africa. She emphasized the need for a new political architecture that nurtures capable and visionary leaders.
“The weight of responsibility now falls on each of you who have attended this forum. You are accountable for delivering the future,” she stated. “Often, those driven by values and disruptive thinking feel isolated. Our goal is to provide them with a platform for connection and collaboration.”
The 2024 Africa Conference, held during the graduation ceremony for the fourth cohort of SPPG students, brought together visionary politicians from across Africa, including countries like Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe, to explore strategies for transforming governance on the continent.
