As Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a defining force in global governance and economic transformation, the executive director of TEXEM has urged African leaders to rise to the challenge or risk being left behind.
Speaking in a recent leadership insight, Alim Abubakre, Founder and Director of TEXEM, a UK‑based leadership development and consulting organisation, warned that AI is not just a technological shift but a fundamental test of leadership competence across the continent.
“AI is redefining what effective leadership looks like in the modern era,” Abubakre said. “Leaders who fail to understand its implications risk making decisions that are misaligned with the future of their economies and societies.”
His remarks come at a time when governments across Africa are increasingly exploring AI-driven solutions in sectors such as education, healthcare, public administration, and security. However, experts warn that adoption without strategic leadership could deepen inefficiencies rather than solve them.
Abubakre emphasised that competence in the AI era goes beyond technical knowledge, requiring leaders to demonstrate adaptability, ethical awareness, and long-term strategic thinking. According to him, the pace of technological change means that traditional leadership approaches may no longer be sufficient.
“Leadership today must combine vision with agility,” he noted. “It is no longer enough to react to change; leaders must anticipate it and position their institutions accordingly.”
Across the continent, countries including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa have begun integrating AI into national strategies, reflecting a growing recognition of its transformative potential. Yet, disparities in infrastructure, policy readiness, and human capital remain significant barriers.
Policy analysts say the challenge for African leadership is not just adopting AI, but doing so in a way that ensures inclusive growth, data protection, and ethical governance. Without these safeguards, AI could exacerbate inequality and governance gaps.
Abubakre also highlighted the importance of continuous executive education and institutional learning, stressing that leadership development must evolve alongside technological progress. TEXEM, known for its executive development programmes, has increasingly focused on equipping public- and private-sector leaders with the skills to navigate digital disruption.
“AI will not wait for Africa to catch up,” he said. “The real question is whether African leaders are prepared to lead in this new reality or be shaped by it.”
As AI adoption accelerates globally, the spotlight is increasingly turning to leadership capacity as a critical factor in determining how effectively nations can harness the technology’s benefits while managing its risks.
AI puts African Leadership Competence to Test
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