Leaders who are needed for Africa’s dream of a better future

Africa has a problem connected to rapid growth. Its middle class population is the fastest growing in the world. So this market in total is worth more than $5 trillion, according to a McKinsey report, and there's one other thing: Africa is going to possess the largest workforce on the planet in just 10 years from now.

That sounds promising, right? The impression might become a bit darker when we imagine this huge workforce rushing into cities only to find out that there are no jobs. The cities will become overcrowded and any and all accommodation will be expensive. Also, the infrastructure in cities among the hyper-growing countries seems to be unable to accommodate such a huge inflow of young new workers.

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There is still intense poverty, crime, and spreading resource crises. In many places, there is still a lack of food, water, and electricity as well. Africa has abundant resources, yes. Unfortunately, it cannot capitalize on its potential.

Addressing challenges

An article on the website of the Center for Creative Leadership says that a new breed of leaders is needed in Africa. This stems from global research and local insights from progressive leaders from numerous African countries.

Luckily for Africa, and the whole global economy, some leaders, politicians and development agencies are already asking bold questions:

  • Do our past successes make us unaware and blind to future opportunities?
  • Are our current strategy and decision-making practices obsolete and not aligned with reality? If so, what can and will wake us up?

There is a need for these kinds of individuals who will be able to take adversity and turn it into exponential opportunities. Leaders who are able to invite diverse perspectives in order to get the best from economic ecosystems that are very complex indeed. They will need to encourage others to challenge their assumptions.

What will help? Technology, since in many cases it can be deployed to make the impossible a reality.

-jk-

Article source CCL Blog - official blog of the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL®)
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