Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on African leaders to strengthen democratic institutions, deepen intra-African trade, and embrace purposeful leadership as essential drivers of sustainable economic growth and the continent’s long-term prosperity.
Jonathan made the call on Thursday in Abuja while speaking at the Breaking Barriers to Trade and Leadership Summit, organized by the Africa Leadership Organization (ALO). The event brought together prominent African leaders, policymakers, business executives, and development partners to discuss practical strategies for advancing Africa’s economic transformation.
The former Nigerian leader joined Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Samuel Matekane; former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete; former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor; and other distinguished leaders at the summit.
Speaking on the significance of the gathering, Jonathan emphasized that Africa’s immense economic potential can only be unlocked through stronger democratic institutions, deeper regional integration, and visionary leadership. He noted that closer economic cooperation among African nations remains critical to accelerating development and securing the continent’s future prosperity.
The summit focused on identifying practical measures to eliminate trade barriers, attract investment, and drive inclusive economic growth across Africa.
In recognition of his contributions to democratic governance and institutional development, Jonathan received the Award for Democratic Leadership and Institutional Integrity from the Africa Leadership Organization.
Receiving the award, he expressed gratitude to the organizers, describing the recognition as a tribute to the collective efforts of individuals and institutions committed to strengthening democracy and advancing sustainable development across Africa.
“I accept this honour with humility and regard it as recognition of the collective efforts of all those committed to advancing democratic governance, strengthening institutions, and promoting Africa’s growth and development,” Jonathan said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote good governance, institutional integrity, and inclusive economic development throughout the continent.
In his keynote address, Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Samuel Matekane, urged African leaders to prioritize building enduring institutions instead of relying on individual personalities. He argued that Africa has often celebrated leaders while neglecting the institutions they were meant to strengthen.
According to Matekane, many of the continent’s development gains fade after leaders leave office because institutions remain weak and overly dependent on individuals.
“If this summit achieves one thing, let it be a shift from admiring leaders to demanding durable institutions,” he said.
He further noted that persistent obstacles to trade—including weak border systems, inconsistent regulations, and limited access to finance—continue to undermine Africa’s competitiveness because institutions responsible for implementing policies are often underfunded, personality-driven, or lack public confidence.
“Investors do not commit capital to good speeches; they commit capital to predictable institutions,” Matekane added, stressing that Africa’s trade ambitions and global competitiveness can only be achieved through strong institutions capable of surviving political transitions and consistently implementing agreed policies.
The Prime Minister also commended the Africa Leadership Organization for investing in leadership development, particularly among young Africans, whom he described as the future custodians of the continent’s institutions.
He highlighted the forthcoming launch of Dr. Ken Giami’s book, Influence by Design: How to Build Sustained Significance Across Africa, noting that its message aligns with the urgent need for deliberate institution-building across the continent.
Matekane also praised the summit’s Governance and Leadership Awards, describing the recipients as leaders whose contributions are helping to build lasting institutions at national, state, and community levels.
The summit is expected to conclude with the signing of the Abuja Declaration on African Leadership, a framework designed to strengthen governance, promote accountable leadership, and advance institutional reforms that will support Africa’s long-term economic transformation.
Earlier, the Founder of the Africa Leadership Organization, Dr. Ken Giami, welcomed participants and described the summit as the first edition of the global forum to be hosted in Nigeria.
He explained that the initiative emerged from a partnership between the Global Influence Board UK and the Africa Leadership Organization to move discussions on trade and leadership beyond dialogue and toward concrete action.
Giami expressed confidence that the summit would foster stronger partnerships, help remove trade barriers, and accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He added that the programme features high-level discussions on women’s economic empowerment, trade, governance, and investment, alongside the recognition of outstanding African leaders whose contributions have strengthened governance and development across the continent.
“We believe Africa can fully harness its economic potential when women are given the opportunities they deserve. Beyond today’s discussions, we also believe leaders making extraordinary sacrifices to advance development should be celebrated because leadership often comes with enormous personal commitment that is rarely acknowledged,” Giami said.