Africa’s future depends on leadership, not technology, says Olayiwole

Odeyemi Olayiwole, chief executive officer of Inspired2Lead, has urged African leaders to embrace collaboration, innovation and purposeful leadership as the continent positions itself to benefit from opportunities created by artificial intelligence.

Olayiwole made the call while delivering a lecture titled “The Race for Leadership in the AI Age” at the ongoing All-African Leadership Summit in Kigali, Rwanda.

Addressing delegates from across Africa and other parts of the world, he described leadership as a relay race, saying lasting progress depends on leaders playing their roles in pursuit of collective goals.

According to him, Africa’s future will depend more on leadership than on technology or natural resources.

“Africa’s future will not be determined by technology, capital, or mineral resources, but by the right kind of leaders who can galvanize these resources together for the good of all,” he said.

Olayiwole also stressed the need for governments, businesses, educational institutions and civil society organisations to work together across borders and generations.

He said collaboration and co-creation would provide Africa with a stronger competitive advantage as countries respond to rapid technological changes.

A statement issued after the event said one of the highlights of the summit was a keynote address by PLO Lumumba, the Pan-African scholar and leadership advocate, who referenced Olayiwole’s presentation four times during his remarks.

According to the statement, Lumumba’s comments reinforced the message that African countries should strengthen cooperation and partnerships to accelerate development.

In his opening remarks, Madison Ngafeeson, founder of Lead Missions International and host of the summit, urged Africans to take advantage of emerging opportunities on the continent.

He said global trends increasingly position Africa as a major destination for future growth and development.

The summit attracted participants from several countries and featured discussions on leadership, governance, innovation and the implications of artificial intelligence for Africa’s future.

Other speakers at the event included Vusi Thembekwayo, Mecktilder Mchomvu and Ray Popham, alongside business leaders, academics and professionals. The All-African Leadership Summit is scheduled to conclude on July 11 with a gala night focused on leadership, collaboration and Africa’s future development.