The Remarkable Transformations Shaping Africa’s Future

In the vibrant discussions that unfolded at two landmark events this year—the African Women’s Leadership Conference and the Creative & Innovative Industries Conference—delegates collectively embraced a vision for Africa that is both inclusive and forward-looking. The conversations touched on critical themes such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), while forging pathways for sustainable growth across the continent. What does this collective vision mean for the future of Africa? How can we ensure that every voice is uplifted in crafting this narrative?

• The Remarkable African Women’s Leadership Conference
• The Creative & Innovative Industries Conference

At the core of the discourses, participants raised crucial points about embedding gender equity deep within the institutional and economic frameworks of our societies. It was a plea not merely for representation, but for a genuine cultural shift.

Hon. Naisula Lesuuda, the esteemed Member of Parliament from Samburu West, Kenya, served as a beacon of this clarity in her keynote address. She articulated a potent warning against performative actions that can lead to “inclusion fatigue.” In her perspective, the pursuit of meaningful change necessitates a thorough examination of our language and attitudes towards leadership.

“Beyond existing laws and policies, what are some of the cultural things we need to change in our spaces to give women more room to work and thrive?” she asked. Her remarks resonated deeply when she highlighted, “In Parliament, we had to push to change our standing orders from ‘chairman’ of committees to ‘chairperson’—because in their minds, ‘chairman’ automatically meant a man. This change of language is not trivial; it shapes our collective mindset and reinforces stereotypes.”

This raises a thought-provoking question: What subtle shifts can we adopt in our everyday language that could contribute to a more equitable environment? If such a simple change can alter perceptions in government, imagine the ripple effect it could have across sectors.

Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, founder of the Africa Soft Power Group, expanded on these ideas, stressing the need for African nations to design their own DEI frameworks—ones that authentically reflect the continent’s rich diversity. She passionately stated, “We can actually design the DEI framework that we want for people to follow, instead of always adhering to Western norms.” This isn’t merely an academic concept; it’s about leveraging Africa’s unique strengths to influence broader global dialogues.

Throughout the conference, the theme of Africa’s soft power varied at every turn. “Our creative and tech sectors have already proven themselves as engines of growth,” Dr. Balonwu emphasized, igniting excitement about the continent’s potential to lead positive change globally.

Creative & Innovative Industries Conference

Day two of the conferences, dedicated to the Creative & Innovative Industries, echoed similar sentiments regarding Africa’s global influence. Attendees navigated themes revolving around Artificial Intelligence, financial technology, and corporate funding. What emerged was a consensus: foundational infrastructure is vital, not just in the physical sense, but in our digital landscapes.

Philip Ikeazor, Deputy Governor of Financial System Stability at the Central Bank of Nigeria, underscored the significance of digital finance growth. “Infrastructure is what connects capital to innovation,” he emphasized. “Safety and security are paramount—this goes beyond the business side to encompass systemic perspectives.”

Aliya Shariff, Senior Director for the Africa Catalytic Impact Fund at the Mastercard Foundation, added a critical dimension by saying, “We must not forget that software is the lifeblood of today’s digital world.” Her insights reminded us that true inclusivity extends to digital accessibility and affordability, raising the question: How can we bridge the divide for those still struggling with basic access to technology?

Shariff advocated for “soft infrastructure,” addressing not merely physical needs but regulatory clarity and data protection laws as crucial components for growth. She stated, “Inclusion isn’t just access; it’s about affordability and usability.” With the leap towards mobile finance, challenges like smartphone affordability persist, reminding us of the complexities involved in achieving true digital inclusion.

Leading by Example

The wider discussions at the summit illuminated Africa’s invaluable role in cultivating innovation. With contributions from experts like Lorna Omondi from Google Research Africa and Kojo Boakye of Meta, we witnessed a clear illustration of how far Africa has come in the realm of technology and creative industries.

Chi Ogbuehi, VP of Marketing Technology at the National Football League (NFL), spoke about initiatives aimed at nurturing in-country talent. As he noted, the shift towards investing in local development ecosystems promises to unlock immense potential. “Investment in these sectors,” highlighted Julio De Souza from StratLink, “requires building opportunities that appeal both locally and internationally.”

As the 2025 Africa Soft Power Summit drew to a close, one thing was clear: Africa’s growth trajectory is not merely a dream—it’s happening now. It is being propelled by the brilliance of its people, the dynamism of its creative spirit, and the influence of its women leaders.

The overall message echoed across the conferences was inspiring: Let us transform this energy and insightful dialogue into tangible results that uplift our communities, economies, and futures. Together, we can create a legacy that truly reflects the essence of Africa.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.