KIGALI, Aug. 26 — The inaugural Africa Mindset Reset Forum opened in Rwanda’s capital Kigali Tuesday to chart practical pathways toward African-owned development.
The two-day event, hosted by the African School of Governance and themed “From Pan-Africanism to Meta-Africanism,” drew leaders from government, business, academia, civil society, media, and youth movements across Africa. In his opening remarks, President of the African School of Governance Francis Gatare said Africa has never been short on resources or talent, but it is held back by a scarcity mindset. He noted that while Pan-Africanism gave Africans solidarity, liberation and dignity, the current moment demands what he called Meta-Africanism, which questions the values, mindset and behaviors needed to create the future Africa deserves. Former South African President Thabo Mbeki said there is a need for leadership with a mindset of principled and dedicated agents of fundamental change to enable the African continent to achieve its renaissance.”We need a shift from rhetorical Pan-Africanism to practical Pan-Africanism, a mindset of accountability, even servitude to the people,” he said. Speaking on a high-level panel discussion at the forum, Rwandan President Paul Kagame mentioned the need for African countries to develop a culture in which what leaders say, plan and want is matched by what they actually do. “We can’t continue saying things about what we have to do and then start doing different things. We have to match what we say, want and do for us to match the results,” he said. Turning to young people, Kagame told those aspiring to be leaders that it is in their capacity and ability to give their lives a purpose and to make a choice that will impact other people’s lives.
Xinhua proud partner of the African Youth Newspaper
