Stanbic Bank has continued its support for the Africa Leadership Lectures of the University for Development Studies (UDS), now in its fifth year.

Alhassan Andani, Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank speaking on the bank’s support for the lectures said: “Being a bank with a proud African heritage and having done business on this continent for 155 years, we understand its people. We see leadership as a key driver and critical cog in helping to move Africa forward.

Mr Benjamin William Mkapa, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania is guest speaker for this year’s three-day series of lectures themed: African Development: From Freedom to Union.

Stanbic Bank is a progressive organisation that constantly raises the bar by providing solutions that help to progress the life of Africans. We have a unique understanding of Africa’s needs and those of our clients. As an authentic bank, we turn insights into reality and solutions that benefit the markets in which we operate.

Topics to be covered are: Resistance against colonization and empire building as African development on day one; Self-determination and independence as African development on day two and African Union as the ultimate development on day three.

President Mkapa would be conferred with an honorary Doctorate Degree at a special congregation at the end of the lectures.

The lecture series were introduced by the University in 2013 to facilitate an environment for a discourse on leadership and thereby provide a platform to inspire positive and innovative leadership initiatives.

The maiden lecture was delivered by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of the Republic of Nigeria, Festus Mogae, former president of the Republic of Botswana delivered 2014 edition with Joachim Chissano, former president of the Republic of Mozambique delivering the third edition.

Last year’s edition was delivered by Hifikeunye Lucas Pohamba, former president of the Republic of Namibia.