Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, President of the African School of Governance (ASG) in Rwanda and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has delivered a striking critique of the state of democracy in Africa, identifying poor leadership, lack of a unifying philosophical foundation, and pervasive corruption as key obstacles to its success.
Moghalu shared his thought-provoking insights as the main guest speaker during the latest edition of the Toyin Falola Interviews, held virtually and broadcast across multiple social media platforms, television networks, and online radio channels. The event, moderated by renowned historian Professor Toyin Falola, featured an esteemed panel of academics and political thinkers, including Professor Nimi Wariboko, a leading expert in social ethics. Together, they dissected the theme Leadership in Africa, exploring the continent’s challenges and opportunities in governance.
Dr. Moghalu did not mince words when addressing the leadership vacuum he believes lies at the heart of Africa’s difficulties. “Leadership is the single most powerful determinant of social and economic progress,” he declared, emphasizing that without visionary and competent leaders, African countries are unlikely to achieve sustained development.
He argued that leadership is not just about occupying political positions but about crafting and implementing effective systems that deliver results. “When you talk about economic system design, it is leadership that is competent that can develop an economic system that works,” Moghalu explained. He underscored the importance of leaders possessing a combination of conceptual clarity, practical discipline, and the ability to implement policies that yield measurable improvements in citizens’ lives.
However, Moghalu identified a deeper issue—poor followership—that, in his view, stems directly from the lack of effective leadership. “Africa also has a very deep followership problem. This goes back to the leadership problem because when you don’t have the right kind of leadership, such leadership may not recognize the importance of politically and economically educating the population,” he said. According to him, some leaders deliberately keep their populations uninformed and timid, ensuring their continued dominance while society stagnates.
“A visionary leadership,” Moghalu stressed, “would empower and educate its citizens, creating an environment where informed followership can hold leaders accountable and contribute meaningfully to national progress.”
Moghalu challenged the notion that democracy as practiced in the West is universally applicable, pointing out that Africa has struggled with its wholesale adoption of foreign models. “Democracy is different in the USA; it is different in the UK, France, Germany, Japan, and many other places. This is the reality,” he stated.
He criticized African nations for their tendency to adopt Western-style democratic systems without tailoring them to local realities or questioning their suitability. “Why must Africa feel that it must copy and paste some Western paradigm without interrogating itself as to what its citizens really want?” Moghalu asked.
While acknowledging that some African nations like Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa are making strides in adapting multiparty democracy to their contexts, Moghalu emphasized that democracy’s success is ultimately measured by its ability to deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives. “What matters is not what system you choose but whether it delivers a good, qualitative life for the people,” he added.
A major impediment to Africa’s progress, according to Moghalu, is the absence of a unifying philosophical foundation. He argued that successful nations are often guided by a shared worldview that informs their policies, governance structures, and societal norms.
“The difference between America and China,” Moghalu observed, “is their philosophical worldview, which is consistently applied to their societies and delivered over time.” He lamented that Africa lacks such a foundation, resulting in fragmented governance and underdevelopment.
Pointing to success stories, Moghalu highlighted Rwanda and Botswana as examples of African countries where disciplined leadership and ethical governance have led to notable progress. “In Rwanda, where I currently reside, there is a certain kind of mindset that is driving this country forward,” he said.
He described corruption as a global phenomenon but noted its particularly devastating impact in African nations, where it often occupies a central role in governance. “In many countries that are doing well economically and socially, corruption is at the periphery. But in countries like Nigeria, corruption is at the center, and that is why it is so dangerous for us,” he explained.
He argued that corruption flourishes when accountability is weak, emphasizing that effective systems can deter corrupt behavior. “If the system works in such a way that if you are corrupt and caught, you are punished seriously, it will serve as deterrence,” Moghalu noted. He added that ethical leadership, which sets an example of integrity, is essential for building trust and enforcing accountability.
Moghalu proposed a comprehensive reorientation of African societies through education and the promotion of ethical values. He stressed that teaching ethics should be made compulsory in schools and institutions across the continent, arguing that a strong foundation of values and ethics is critical for systemic reform.
“When there is a lot of corruption, systems don’t function, and it creates problems for business and investment,” Moghalu observed. He warned that without addressing corruption and ethical deficits, Africa would continue to lag behind in global development.
Reflecting on his political journey, Moghalu shared candid insights into the challenges of effecting change in Africa. “We are where we are, not because we lack brilliant people, but because we have not cultivated the right mindsets,” he said. He reiterated that leadership must be rooted in values, systems, and ethical governance for progress to be sustainable.
He urged African nations to redefine their approach to governance by prioritizing local solutions over imported paradigms. He called for a collective effort to build strong institutions, educate citizens, and instill values that support long-term development.
“The consequence of leadership failure in Africa is that we have not built our systems. Without strong foundations, our progress will remain elusive,” Moghalu warned.
Post Views: 2
