“A
hallmark
of
authoritarian-leaning
leadership
is
excessive
or
almost
narcissistic
self-belief
coupled
with
disdain
for
accountability.
These
are
people
who
lash
out
at
the
slightest
sign
of
someone
asking
them
difficult
questions.
They
overwhelm
their
questioners
with
vitriol
and
attacks.
These
are
leaders
who
present
themselves
as
uniquely
capable
–
above
criticism
or
correction
–
and
create
a
culture
where
dissent
is
viewed
as
disloyalty.
This
erodes
democratic
norms,
where
leadership
is
meant
to
be
servant-based
and
accountable
to
the
people,”
he
says.
Continent-wide,
stronger
governance
is
also
critical
if
Africa
is
to
leverage
its
strategic
advantage
at
the
centre
of
geopolitical
competition
and
the
global
energy
transition,
writes
Ruth
Kolevsohn,
GGA
executive
director
of
governance
programmes.
“Geography
has
already
placed
Africa
at
the
centre
of
the
world’s
hemispheres.
Whether
it
becomes
a
centre
of
global
leadership
will
depend
on
the
strength
of
its
institutions,”
she
says.
Even
grassroots
systems,
like
school-level
sport,
could
unlock
opportunities
for
Africans
if they
were
better
governed.
GGA-Nigeria
researcher
Kabir
Hassan
contends
that
deteriorating
school
sports
programmes
have
prevented
sport
from
contributing
fully to
education,
employment,
social
inclusion,
and
economic
growth.
Click
here
to
read
his
article.
Finally,
keep a
look out
for our
next
Africa
in
Fact
edition,
themed
on coups
and
democratic
backsliding.
Until
next
time,
keep
warm.
Dr
Ross
Harvey
Chief
Research
Officer
