President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina has called on African leaders to strengthen their democratic institutions in their various countries to develop the continent.

Delivering the keynote address at a webinar on Saturday, Dr Adesina stated that the move will promote unity and cohesion on the continent, thereby, will help African countries experience sustainable economic transformation.

“Several institutional and governance deficiencies have for long hindered the capacity of several African countries. To build the level and density of productive activity require for economic transformation.

“To experience sustainable economic growth and effective national transformation in today’s highly complex society, Africa must strengthen its democratic institutions," he said.

He further added that "Leaders must demonstrate integrity and fairness to all segments of society to prevent conflicts and threats to national stability and cohesion which in turn adversely affects economic growth."

Speaking on the theme “Integrity, Leadership, and Stewardship for National Transformation in Africa”, the renowned economist also stressed that Africa needs new leaders with new ideas to steer the continent to greater heights.

Considering the numerous challenges facing the continent including; debt, insecurities, unemployment, Covid-19 pandemic and conflicts, Dr Adesina noted that tackling them requires exceptional leadership, boldness, vision, and faith.

He indicated that challenging times call for leaders with the capacity to inspire and capture the imagination of those that they lead and the creative ability to change the status quo for the better.

“One of Africa’s most critical needs today is for new leaders with new ideas to help create a new Africa, a transformed Africa.

“At every level of human endeavour, we need a new generation of highly-skilled, competent, and visionary leaders with the characters to match. Leaders who have what it takes to steer the ships of organisations, institutions, and nations. Especially in uncertain and challenging times,” he said.

The Executive Director of Uganda National Roads Authority, Allen Catherine Kagina, on her part, noted that leadership is centered on three principles.

Taking inspiration from the Holy Book, Miss Kagina noted that a leader’s role is mainly to be fruitful, multiply, govern adding that “irrespective of where your place is you must understand you are an instrument in God’s hands.”

This year's public lecture on transformational leadership in Africa is the third since its inception in 2019.

The event was organized by the Board of Intercessors for Africa (IFA) and Sundoulos Advanced Leadership Training (SALT) Institute.