African Leadership Deficit in Global Context: A Review

Abstract

This paper explores the dynamics of leadership in Africa within the context of global governance and socio-political challenges. It examines the concept of leadership deficit, highlighting issues of legitimacy, accountability, and effectiveness faced by many African nations. Leadership is categorised into three phases: making, unmaking and remaking, each representing distinct historical and contemporary contexts. The Making phase reflects how pre-colonial and colonial histories shaped foundational leadership structures, where indigenous leaders navigated colonial complexities, often becoming co-opted into colonial governance, creating a dual legacy of agency and subjugation. The Unmaking phase illustrates the post-colonial struggle for identity and autonomy, where leaders emerged with promises of liberation but often resorted to authoritarianism, corruption, and civil strife. This period has resulted in significant disillusionment among citizens as leaders fail to address pressing issues such as poverty and inequality. The Remaking phase envisions a new paradigm emphasising transformative and inclusive governance, exploring innovative leadership models from grassroots movements to digital activism. It advocates for redefining leadership to prioritise transparency, sustainability, and community engagement. Employing a historical and multidisciplinary approach, the study identifies significant challenges facing transformative leadership in Africa, including political instability, corruption, weak institutions, economic constraints, and social fragmentation. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering an environment conducive to transformative leadership and sustainable development. This paper, being a conceptual one, aims to contribute to political development in Africa.