By Ramatoulie Jawo
Madi Jobarteh, Executive Director of the Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice, has emphasized that Africa’s progress is hindered not by a lack of resources or potential, but by unethical leadership.
Mr. Jobarteh made these remarks during his speech at the African Youth Summit held in Kanifing, where he was honored by the Young African Network for Global Goals (YANGG). The award recognized his unwavering dedication to youth empowerment, human rights advocacy, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality across the continent.
In a Facebook post following the event, Mr. Jobarteh stated:
“Africa has no resource problem. We have no knowledge shortage or capacity challenges in any field. Africa has no shortage of ideas, plans, tools, materials or finances. Rather, I told them that the only challenge Africa has is the lack of ethical leadership. Period,” he wrote. He reminded the audience that Africa is not short of leaders in any sphere. Reflecting on his own experiences, he noted that throughout his youth, he actively participated in various youth movements—highlighting that every African country is rich in such groups and initiatives. Yet, he stressed, the continent’s youth continue to face poverty, deprivation, misgovernance, and conflict, leading many to seek opportunities abroad.
“I told them that Africa is not poor; rather, Africa has been a donor to everyone around the world, especially to the US, UK, EU and China. The evidence lies in figures about ODA, FDI, illicit financial flows, and trade, which show that Africa gives more to the outside world than they give to Africa. Even the remittances that the African diaspora sends back to Africa are more than the combined aid and investments from the US, UK, EU and China to Africa,” he said.
Mr. Jobarteh urged young Africans to reflect on why foreign leaders summon all 54 African heads of state to summits abroad. Despite being the largest bloc in the United Nations, Africa remains the weakest, with no permanent seat on the Security Council. Meanwhile, foreign military bases and multinational companies continue to extract billions from the continent daily.
He challenged young Africans to question the status quo and reject populism, propaganda, and empty rhetoric.
“Hence, as young people, they must prioritize ethical leadership because it is what makes or breaks a society. For over 60 years of independence, every African country is facing immense challenges of poverty, conflict, inequality, injustice and corruption simply because of unethical leadership. So long as the continent remains in the hands of unethical leaders, then there is no hope for the present and the future,” he added.