The Dangote Group boss delivered the remarks at the Africa School of Governance (ASG) in Kigali, an institution co-founded by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, designed to nurture visionary African leaders.
Dangote stressed that Africa cannot progress without leaders guided by mission, clarity, and conviction.
'We need leaders with a mission. If we don't have this, we are not going to build anything,' he said.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, on her part, emphasised that the continent already has the tools and frameworks required; what is needed now is implementation, accountability, and confidence in its own institutions. She urged leaders to 'look to the inside,' insisting that Africa must rebuild and trust the institutions it already owns.
Hailemariam Desalegn echoed this sentiment, noting that no nation can grow without strong and functional institutions. He stressed that many African institutions are relics of the past and must be reimagined to truly serve the people. He also highlighted the importance of leadership culture, insisting that Africa was never inferior and must reject perceptions that undermine its potential.
Hailemariam called for a critical mass of purpose-driven leaders capable of igniting change across the continent and encouraged emerging leaders not to conform to the limitations of the status quo.
The leaders are in Kigali to attend the second edition of the African Renaissance Retreat (ARR), which kicked off at the Pinnacle Kigali Hotel on Friday, November 14, 2025.
The exclusive annual gathering, co-founded by President Paul Kagame and Dangote, brings together African billionaires, senior policymakers, and influential thinkers for three days of closed-door dialogue focused on accelerating Africa's transformation.
The high-level meeting is structured around intensive sessions, fireside discussions, and strategic breakout meetings designed to translate ideas into implementable projects. Day 1 featured a fireside chat with former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, followed on Day 2 by an in-depth conversation with former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and former South African President Thabo Mbeki. The final day, Sunday, will feature a session with President Kagame and Aliko Dangote.
Meanwhile, Dangote's remarks in Kigali reinforce his engagement in continental development initiatives. In July this year, he attended the inauguration of the US$25 million Zaria Court sports and entertainment complex in Kigali, established by Giants of Africa founder Masai Ujiri.
During the event, President Kagame commended Dangote for championing African-led progress and investing in projects that elevate African talent, infrastructure, and leadership.
Last year, Dangote also participated in the private African Renaissance Group retreat held at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, which brought together around 50 of Africa's most influential business and policy leaders to explore long-term strategies for the continent's advancement.
With the ARG retreat once again convening in Kigali, Rwanda continues to strengthen its position as a trusted home for strategic dialogue and forward-looking African initiatives.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/africa-needs-leaders-with-a-mission-says-dangote-at-kigali-forum
