Leadership, Strategic Foresight, and Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development in Africa: A Conceptual Analysis

Abstract

Digital transformation (DT) has emerged as a strategic imperative for organisational competitiveness and societal progress, carrying profound implications for sustainable development. This conceptual desktop study examines the intersection of leadership, strategic foresight, digital transformation, and sustainability, with a focus on contextualising global insights to the African, and specifically South African, environment. A literature-based analysis is employed to explore how effective leadership models and strategic thinking can harness digital innovation for inclusive and sustainable outcomes. The paper discusses contemporary leadership theories (transformational, adaptive, ethical, and inclusive leadership) in the digital era, and how these leadership approaches facilitate or hinder sustainable digital transformation. It highlights global trends and examples, then applies a "funnel approach" to African contexts, addressing opportunities for digital leapfrogging as well as challenges such as the digital divide, governance issues, and capacity gaps. Drawing on recent studies and reports, the literature indicates that visionary and responsible leadership is central to aligning digital initiatives with sustainability goals, from corporate settings to public governance. African case studies illustrate that strong political will and contextually grounded leadership (e.g. informed by indigenous values such as Ubuntu) are crucial for successful digital initiatives. The study concludes with implications for practice and policy, emphasising the need for ethical, inclusive, and strategically foresighted leadership to drive digital transformation that advances equitable and sustainable development in Africa.