RMB Think Summit: Experts Call For Leadership Reforms To Drive Progress

Experts have called on Africa to address its leadership challenges, emphasising that progress will remain elusive without transformative leadership reforms.

They disclosed this at the RMB Think Summit, a premier thought leadership event that debuted in Nigeria, expanding its footprint beyond South Africa, with its inaugural Nigerian edition held at Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme: “Future Reimagined.”

Pan-African advocate, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, expressed that effective leadership is crucial for Africa’s progress once Africa resolves its political leadership issues, saying the benefits will trickle down to all aspects of society.

“Until we address the root causes of our problems and introduce accountability at all levels, we’ll continue to attend conferences, meetings, and task forces without achieving meaningful change. To move forward, we must prioritise ethical governance, recognising its vital role in promoting accountability, integrity, and transparency,” he said.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani urged African leaders to capitalise on the continent’s youthful population and technological advancements to overcome global challenges and secure a prosperous future for the continent.

Tijani emphasised that Africa’s challenges, including environmental issues, inflation, food shortages, and global tensions, also present opportunities for growth. “Whilst our world may be undergoing significant challenges globally, some of these challenges are connected to one another in the form of poly-crisis, whether it’s environmental-related, inflation, the tensions between countries, the Middle East challenges, or the food crisis. I think it’s important on the African continent that we realise that this is an opportunity also for Africa.

“With many countries facing declining birth rates and ageing populations, Africa is poised to become the future workforce,” he noted. “However, this requires investing in digital skills development and connected technology. We must prioritise upskilling and connected technology to raise productivity and provide value to the world.”

On his part, Hollywood star John Boyega stated that there is a need for learning, education, and collaboration in the Nollywood film industry to create opportunities and propel local actors and creators to international stardom.

He believed this would bridge the gap between the local creatives and production outfits and actors and producers in the diaspora.

“I want to connect with the people here who are on the ground doing great work in entertainment. I want to meet people in the financial sector and have a nice connection and conversation about bridging the gap between the diaspora and us.

Commenting on projects with local acts and collaboration on the African front, Boyega remarked that the biggest dream is to make a high-quality collaboration between Hollywood and the Nollywood industry. “I’ve seen, personally, some amazing actresses and actors, cinematographers, and seamstresses in different departments in Nollywood that need an opportunity in and through the Hollywood game. But we don’t want to make it a Hollywood movie. We want to make high-quality Nollywood movies, if you know what I mean.”

The CEO, RMB Nigeria, Bayo Ajayi, shared insights into the summit’s theme and its objectives.

Ajayi explained that the theme was chosen to encourage leaders to think critically about the future amidst globalisation and disruption across sectors. “It’s about envisioning what the future holds and positioning ourselves to adapt to upcoming changes,” he said.

Ajayi hopes participants will take away a forward-thinking mindset, asking themselves, “How can I position for the future? What changes can I make now to remain relevant?”
“The summit’s primary objective is to inspire leaders to make conscious decisions today that will positively impact their future. We want participants to start thinking about the future and making small changes that will have a lasting impact,” Ajayi emphasised.

At the summit, notable speakers included Nobel Laureate and playwright, Prof. Wole Soyinka; IMF Resident Representative for Nigeria, Dr. Christian Ebeke; and Chief Economist, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), Isaah Mhlanga, who shared their insights.

Other expert voices include Chairman & Co-Founder, Made in Africa (MIA), Chairman, Vector Global, Founder, Africa10, Kojo Annan; Co-Founder & CTO, Yemaachi Biotechnology, David Hutchful; Founder & CEO, Gjenge Makers, Nzambi Matee; and Head of Sustainable Finance & ESG Advisory (RMB), Nigel Beck.
Rounding out the lineup is Partner, Africa AI & Data Leader (Deloitte), Dr. Jania Okwechime; Futurist, Iconoclast, Olakunle Soriyan; Founder & CEO, Eviola & Co Integrated Services Ltd, Omowunmi Imoukhuede; and Co-Founder, Sikili & Strategic Marketing Consultant (Samsung), Khadidiatou Faye.