Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer of NBA Africa, delivered a compelling keynote address at the 2024 Annual Leaders' Gathering, offering profound insights into Rwanda's remarkable transformation. Drawing from her personal experience and her contribution to Rwanda's development journey, she illuminated three pillars of national development: visionary leadership, robust institutions, and strategic investment in human capital.
She spoke at the Gathering, hosted by the LéO Africa Institute annually. The Forum brings together leaders from across sectors and industries to consider Africa's challenges and devise actions to form a consensus on how to address them.
Leadership: The Foundation of Transformation
Akamanzi's journey exemplifies Rwanda's bold approach to leadership development. Appointed as Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Development Board at just 26, and later as the Chief Executive Officer, and Cabinet Member, she faced initial skepticism but emerged as a testament to the country's commitment to nurturing young talent. "Leadership isn't about position—it's about taking personal responsibility for growth and impact," she emphasized, challenging traditional notions of leadership prerequisites.
Institutions: Building the Framework for Progress
Akamanzi presented a compelling metaphor for institutional development, comparing it to a sophisticated engine where each component plays a vital role. Rwanda's success, she explained, stems from deliberately building transparent and efficient institutions that serve the public interest. From streamlined government procedures to digital visa processing, these improvements have fostered trust both domestically and internationally.
"Our institutions aren't mere regulatory frameworks," Akamanzi noted. "They're manifestations of our core values: integrity and excellence."
This philosophy has transformed bureaucratic processes into engines of national progress.
Human Capital: Cultivating Excellence Through Mindset Transformation
The keynote highlighted Rwanda's strategic focus on human capital development through education, mentorship, and cultural transformation. Akamanzi emphasized that personal agency and strong values form the foundation of individual and national success. "Excellence isn't negotiable," she stated. "When individuals commit to dependability and excellence, they create opportunities not just for themselves, but for entire communities."
Rwanda's transformation extends beyond infrastructure to encompass a fundamental shift in collective consciousness. The country's clean streets and efficient services stand as physical manifestations of this new mindset. "We rejected the notion that African nations must accept mediocrity," Akamanzi declared, highlighting how this attitude has catalyzed improvements across all sectors while reinforcing cultural pride.
Embracing Failure as a Catalyst for Growth
In a particularly resonant segment, Akamanzi addressed the role of resilience in leadership. She advocated for a proactive approach to failure, emphasizing the importance of early acknowledgment and learning. This philosophy has enabled Rwanda to implement rapid improvements while maintaining transparency about the challenges faced.
The Narrative of Transformation
Akamanzi concluded by underscoring the power of storytelling in shaping perceptions and inspiring change. By sharing success stories of African artists, entrepreneurs, and nations, she argued, we challenge stereotypes and demonstrate the continent's vast potential. "These narratives aren't just stories—they're blueprints for possibility," she explained.
The keynote's message was clear: Africa's transformation requires a combination of visionary leadership, strong institutions, and invested human capital. Rwanda's journey offers a practical roadmap for nations seeking sustainable development, demonstrating that with commitment and clear vision, remarkable progress is achievable.
*** This article is based on Clare Akamanzi's opening keynote address at ALG 2024, documenting Rwanda's development journey and its lessons for African nations pursuing sustainable growth. You can watch the full video of her keynote address here
About the author: John Ivan Busulwa is a lawyer with a strong background in Private Equity and Venture Capital legal advisory and an Associate Fellow at the LéO Africa Institute.
