Writers 
The quote, “Africa is a continent of great potential” is often used to describe the continent. It has vast opportunities in technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and trade; and has fertile land, significant opportunity in technology, a young and growing population, and abundant natural resources. However, despite these benefits, a significant number of African nations remain poor, jobless, insecure, institutionally weak, with poor infrastructure and slow economic growth rates. An important question that must then be asked is: Why is leadership now a huge problem in Africa?
Being a leader is not just a matter of holding a political position. Institutions that function effectively, safeguarding public resources, decisions that are made in the public interest, and policies that help to improve the lives of citizens are the hallmarks of good leadership. Even in the event that resources are plentiful, these principles may be inadequate in areas where they are weak or even present in large numbers.
A challenge is that of weak institutions persisting. In certain countries, the government institutions have difficulties in being independent and efficient. Institutions that are weak can make accountability challenging, and loss of public confidence can make it even harder. Ultimately, strong institutions can ensure the continued functionality of laws and policies irrespective of the political leadership.
Corruption, and the abuse of public resources, is another concern. Corruption can help siphon off funds to be used for roads, schools, hospitals, water systems, and other public services. The impact can be particularly devastating in countries where governments are already constrained in their ability to provide supplies. Transparency, efficient auditing, independent checks and uniform application of laws are thus vital elements of responsible governance.
There has also been political turmoil on the continent which has had an impact on development in some regions. Development programmes can be disrupted and investment deterred by coups, conflict, elections that are called in doubt, and long political crises. If the government keeps changing because of unconstitutional means or the public does not trust the political system, it will be more difficult to plan for the long term.
Additionally, public policy quality is related to leadership challenges. There are brilliant and gifted people in Africa. Each continent generates individuals equipped with the skills and ideas to address complex problems, in universities, business, and amongst civil society, and professional organisations. It is usually the challenge of converting ideas into sound policies and implementation that is the difficulty.
However, it would be wrong to lay the responsibility for all development issues solely on the shoulders of the African leaders. Africa's development has been shaped by historical, colonial, global economic, conflict, climate change, unequal international relations and domestic social and economic factors. The situation in the various countries in Africa is very different, however, and there is no single answer to the problems of Africa.
To secure the future, there needs to be improved institutional capacity, effective leadership, investment in education, economic diversification, respect for the rule of law, and more opportunities for youth to meaningfully engage in governance and economic development. The role of citizens is also significant in terms of civic involvement, the demand for transparency and accountability of public actors through legitimate democratic procedures.
The problem never has been Africa's potential. The big question is whether systems can be developed that can convert this potential into sustainable development. Leadership is important because leaders are key influencers in institutions, policies, priorities, and national direction.
The future of Africa will thus not only be shaped by what is under the ground, but also by what is on top. If the continent has accountable governance, effective institutions and citizens actively involved in the development of their countries, then the continent can emerge from its tremendous potential and achieve sustainable development.