Africa’s Leadership Deficit
They cling to power rather than develop their economies, doing little to create jobs and lift millions out of poverty. So says former UN chief Kofi Annan about Africa’s leaders.

Sign up for Big Think on Substack
The most surprising and impactful new stories delivered to your inbox every week, for free.
What’s the Latest Development?
Former UN chief Kofi Annan told the World Economic Forum meeting in South Africa that African leaders cling onto power rather than develop their economies. A “leadership deficit” meant little was being done to create jobs and lift millions out of poverty, squandering the continent’s rapid economic growth.
What’s the Big Idea?
Leaders who cling on to the reins are selfish. Annan, pointing to the revolutions in North Africa, says its “supreme arrogance” for leaders to seek to stay in power for 30 years. “Those who have served two or three terms should make plans for their future out of government,” he told the BBC.
Sign up for Big Think on Substack
The most surprising and impactful new stories delivered to your inbox every week, for free.