the business sector needs to take a stronger stance on leadership and holding the public sector responsible, so that our country and region can achieve their potential.
Demographic dividend “It is exciting to be a leader in Africa today because of the tremendous opportunities the continent provides. Africa has a lot of challenges, but I believe those are outweighed by the opportunities. It has been an incredible experience for me on these trips in the last year, sensing and feeling the sense of expectation and excitement, and the optimism and entrepreneurial dynamism,” he says. However, to benefit from opportunities like the “demographic dividend” of a youth-dominated population, or the double-digit growth of regional markets, the current crop of business executives must become leaders, he says.
“I believe my generation has been entrusted with an important historical responsibility to transform the fortunes of the continent.”
“I believe my generation has been entrusted with an important historical responsibility to transform the fortunes of the continent. Academics and business leaders have an important role to play. Leadership is thus critical to Africa’s success. Yes, there is a lot of despondency in South Africa at the moment, but we are a resilient people. We have a strong foundation to bounce back, and we have a strong and influential business sector – as well as media, judiciary, civil society. I am pleased to see the business sector asserting itself. I think it has been quiet for too long.” l
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