The African Leadership Excellence Academy (AFLEX) has indicated that it has trained 120 leaders from various African countries in the past two months. The academy which is a new institute in the country has been providing similar worthwhile training to aspiring leaders of the nation since its establishment. Its endeavor to extend its horizon to the continent is a commendable step towards achieving collective political and economic success.
History has it that despite its rich legacy of ancient civilization, Africa has been suffering under the occupation, colonization and infiltration of external forces from various sides. For instance, for centuries its citizens were vulnerable to the brutal slave trade which was spearheaded and run by Europeans and Middle Eastern traders. This has exploited the young, and promising workforces of the continent rendering them easily vulnerable to the subsequent occupation and partition of the continent by these forces.
African countries had sustained huge losses and embarrassment during the era of colonization. They still suffer from the aftermath of it. Several reasons could be mentioned for the continents falling under the yoke of colonial powers. But one of the big factors that contributed to the success of the people’s struggle for liberation is the role of some wise pan-African Leaders.
Among the top leaders of the continent who had tireless work in the colonial and post-colonial struggle of the continent are Kwame Nkrumah, Sekou Toure, Hailesellasie, Nelson Mandela, etc can be mentioned. Acknowledging, documenting and promoting the wisdom of these leaders is very important as the continent still needs a strong leadership role.
Africa still needs modern leadership well versed in knowledge and skills to deliver the continent from existing local and global challenges. They also need to possess a strong pan-African stance as they need to work with zeal and perseverance as exhibited by the former pan-African leaders.
Africa still needs strong diplomacy at global stages to secure its position and interests. It has to realize the goals set by the United Nations under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063.
It has to secure its interest at the UN Security Council so that it will cease to be a mere observer and become a decision-maker in the global organization where it is a significant part. The continent also needs to have an ideal position of say in international financial institutions like the IMF, too.
Currently, Africa is facing a looming threat from global crises like climate change, terrorism … etc. Climate change is an imminent threat that is posing deadly challenges against the lives of millions of people across the world but more dangerously in developing countries like Africa. It is well known by experts in the field both in Africa as well as the developed world that the continent which does not significantly contribute to the global problem is facing the brunt of the problem mainly because it lacks the financial and technical capacity to fend it off.
Terrorism and cross-border crimes are also deep-rooted problems that could hamper the economic and political progress of the continent. Africa can be an integral partner in the fight against such threats, but cannot fight these evils alone. It needs to secure the concerted support of the global community.
In this regard, its leaders need to be highly skilled, well-informed, committed and vibrant enough to identify and realize the very needs, and interests of the continent and have the right calibre and zeal to stand for it in the global arena.
Therefore, AFLEX must update itself with all the necessary inputs and resources to produce capable and vibrant leaders. It has to involve more Africans both as trainers and trainees. This will have a big role in the bright future of the continent.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
