Why Africa’s Leadership Future Belongs to Its Own Wisdom: Embracing the HUMANIST Framework

Forget Western frameworks—Africa has the leadership soul and strategy it needs to thrive, rooted in timeless indigenous wisdom.

Let me be honest with you—I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of seeing Africa’s leadership story told through Western frameworks. It’s like watching a play where the main actors aren’t even from the region, but the spotlight insists on them anyway. And here’s something that’s stuck with me for a while—there’s a widely shared, though hard-to-verify, quote attributed to Muhammad Ali about Tarzan speaking in the African jungles, while the natives watch spellbound. The image is perfectly apt. It says something powerful: how the WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) world keeps dominating the narrative on leadership.

So here’s the Problem. Africa, with its rich history, culture, and values, has been told to follow leadership models designed far away—models that often miss the mark or feel disconnected from the realities on the ground. African youth and teams are coached to adopt frameworks crafted in classrooms and boardrooms thousands of miles away, instead of drawing strength and guidance from their own indigenous traditions.

I want to say, “That’s not right. It doesn’t have to be that way.” And I bet you feel the same. You see the mismatch, the disconnect, and maybe even the missed opportunities to lead in a way that’s authentic and culturally true. I get why this is frustrating. It’s hard when you want so much for your people, your community, your country—and the leadership tools pushed on you don’t quite fit. It feels like you’re being asked to be someone you’re not, to lead not by your values but by borrowed ones, and that can be discouraging and confusing.

But, guess what? You don’t have to settle for that. There’s a better way. There’s an Eclectic Leadership framework designed with Africa's soul in mind—the HUMANIST framework. Rononiti developed it based on twelve major African cultural traditions that each bring a powerful leadership lesson.

Think of Ubuntu, the idea that “I am because we are” — that’s empathy and collaboration baked into leadership itself. Harambee, meaning “all pull together,” calls on us to unite and mobilize as one. Sankofa challenges us to “go back and fetch it”—to learn from our past and use those lessons to build a better future. This isn’t some pie-in-the-sky theory. This is real, strategic leadership grounded on values and practices that African leaders have lived for centuries. It’s leadership that fits you, your context, your challenges, and opportunities.

So now, here’s my Action for you: Don’t keep reaching for Western frameworks that don’t reflect your history or your people. Instead, embrace the HUMANIST framework—leadership by Africans for Africa. Use this powerful tool to lead your teams, communities, and nations with authenticity and confidence. When you do this, here’s the Change you can expect. Leadership stops being an imported idea and starts becoming a true expression of African values like integrity, community, ethical stewardship, and unity. You’ll find your leadership style resonates much more naturally, builds real connection, and drives sustainable success. You’ll be part of a growing movement where African leaders stand tall, lead powerfully, and shape their countries’ futures—not as followers but as innovators and stewards of a unique leadership legacy.

Now, let me walk you through some of the pillars of the HUMANIST framework and why they matter:

1. Ubuntu (Southern Africa): This is the spirit of interconnected humanity. Leadership here is about empathy and collaboration—knowing that your success is tied to the success of the whole community.

2. Hakuna Matata (East Africa): You probably know this phrase means “no worries.” It teaches calmness and adaptability. Leaders embody emotional intelligence, managing challenges without panic.

3. Ma’at (Ancient Egypt): Representing truth, justice, and balance, Ma’at reminds leaders to embody ethical principles, seek harmony, and align their actions with higher values.

4. Sankofa (Ghana): Learning from history is crucial. Sankofa encourages reflective leadership, where the past informs wise decisions for the future.

5. Harambee (Kenya): The power of unity and collective effort. Leadership here is about bringing people together to mobilize and achieve shared goals.

6. Isithunzi (Zulu): Concerned with personal dignity and presence, this principle teaches leaders to develop charisma and moral authority.

   And many more—each culture adds a unique flavour to leadership that enriches decision-making, team building, and vision casting.

The African continent is young, vibrant, and urbanizing rapidly. By 2025, over 1.5 billion people call Africa home, with a median age of 24.6 years—the youngest in the world. Economic growth in many areas is strong, creating unprecedented opportunities for leadership. But these opportunities need the right kind of leadership—leadership grounded in African realities, values, and aspirations.

That is the opportunity for HUMANIST. It offers a leadership response that fits Africa’s demographics and social fabric. It meets the challenge of developing leaders in industries like finance, telecommunications, energy, and infrastructure that require savvy, empathetic, and ethical leadership.

The marketplace for leadership training in Africa is growing fast. In 2024, the corporate leadership training market in Africa and the Middle East was $3.1 billion, and it’s set to grow rapidly as demand increases. Technology plays a role here too—e-learning and digital platforms help make leadership development accessible and scalable.

This is where you see the business case for HUMANIST—leadership development that is impactful, authentic, and profitable because it’s tailored, culturally relevant, and digitally savvy. The barriers to entry aren’t high, but success depends on building content that resonates locally and delivering it affordably and accessibly.

Now, you might wonder: how does this feel, practically? What’s it like to lead with HUMANIST?

Imagine leading a team where every member feels truly connected because your leadership communicates community and shared destiny. Imagine a workplace where ethical decisions aren’t just policies but are part of the culture, inspired by Ma’at. Imagine a leader who draws strength from history, looking back through Sankofa to make wiser decisions. The HUMANIST framework is not just theoretical—it’s a living leadership guide for a uniquely African future.

And here’s the honest truth: It’s time for African leaders to reclaim the narrative. To stop being spellbound spectators as “Tarzan and the chimpanzees” dominate leadership halls. The wealth of African traditions provides more than enough guidance to lead nations confidently into their prosperity.

So, what’s the next step?

Learn the HUMANIST principles. Teach them. Lead with them. And spread the word that leadership here is for Africans by Africans.

Your leadership legacy starts today, rooted in the wisdom of your ancestors, informed by your unique present, and building the future your continent deserves.

Yours faithfully,

Shehzaad Shams

London, UK - 17th November, 2025

Founder, Eclectic Leadership Movement