kwabe vic 
- Mandela Leadership Summit Calls for Selfless, Youth-Driven African Leadership;
The recently concluded Mandela African Leadership Summit in Kenya brought together leaders and young changemakers for a moment of reflection on redefining leadership, progress and Pan-African purpose.
Held under the theme Ubuntu, “I am because we are”, the summit convened entrepreneurs, tech innovators, creative economy pioneers, diaspora investors, youth policymakers and students from across the continent and beyond.
Anchored on this theme, the gathering highlighted the importance of honouring indigenous heritage, strengthening global connections and promoting sustainable progress.
Discussions spanned key sectors including environmental sustainability, technology, arts, education and business, all aimed at advancing unity, peace and shared understanding.
According to its mission statement, the Mandela Leadership Summit seeks to advance leadership that serves people, the planet and future generations.
It has grown into a platform for leadership dialogue, cultural exchange and collaboration, engaging the global African diaspora and Africa’s closest neighbours.
Addressing attendees, Ndaba Mandela described Nairobi as a hub of continental unity and brainpower, noting Africa’s billion-strong youth population and vast creative potential.
He said the continent has the capacity to build a future that does not merely emulate global models but surpasses them.
Ndaba emphasised that the summit represents a declaration of interdependence rather than another “talking shop,” adding that the time has come for Africa to lead itself as the world watches.
Drawing lessons from his grandfather Nelson Mandela’s leadership, he urged African leaders to embrace selflessness, stressing that leadership is about service rather than status.
“Leadership is about standing for those who can’t stand for themselves and being a voice for the voiceless in society,” he said.
On youth unity and participation, Ndaba reflected on the challenges young people face, including unemployment and political exclusion, despite their overwhelming numbers on the continent.
He noted that technology now offers young Africans the opportunity to organise, collaborate and work towards shared goals that foster community growth and development.
However, he urged young people to remain dynamic and innovative while actively engaging in politics, noting that meaningful change begins when they are part of decision-making spaces and conversations.
