Jacob Zuma, the former president of South Africa, has expressed alarm about the declining standard of leadership throughout Africa, cautioning that it jeopardizes the continent's capacity for progress and development.

Mr. Zuma stated that the tendency of poor governance is a major obstacle to Africa's advancement in an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV's The Point of View. He maintained that attempts to solve important problems like poverty, inequality, corruption, and underdevelopment are still hampered by this lack of leadership.

Zuma attributed the stagnation in many African nations to the absence of strategic and forward-thinking leadership, which he said prevents these countries from achieving their rightful place on the global stage.

He called on African citizens to take a more active role in demanding accountability and better governance from their leaders.

In order to create an atmosphere that supports effective leadership and eventually propels the continent's sustainable development, the former president also emphasized the necessity of cooperation between governments, civil society, and citizens.

We [Africa] developed into the sort of democracy that was first discussed, but as we all know, something got in the way. For instance, there was a coup d'etat in which the Western nations were genuinely planning the overthrow of our government. After that, we made another attempt to enter. And it seemed to me that Africa was regaining its might. I believe they had a significant impact on Africa.

“I think if you talk about today in Africa, there are issues that are there which you wonder why. As well as how we gradually began to make Africa no longer articulate about itself as it were. I mean even now there are certain things that are happening in parts of the continent.

“But the continent is more quiet than it would have been during that time. Leaders would be moved immediately. These days leaders are very reluctant, and quiet. Even if things are going wrong, that tells you the standard is no longer the same.”

In response to a question on whether the caliber of leaders has declined, he stated, "Yes, there has been. There are problems that are occurring in Africa right now, and if it were still happening at some point, Africa would be able to explain what is happening and try to assist."

Things have changed. It has been gradually declining for a while now. "The election of the present president shown that Ghana continues to support the people and strives for constant progress. And we're overjoyed. Ghana is expressing what we consider to be the path Africa should take.

Mr. Zuma praised Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama as an example of the kind of leadership Africa needs.

He commended Mahama’s re-election in 2024, describing it as a step in the right direction for Ghana and a model for the continent.