African leaders urged to prioritize action over rhetoric

Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, a prominent Kenyan legal scholar and former Director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission, addressed the 2026 African Prosperity Dialogues in Accra, Ghana, criticizing the African political class. He argued that the continent’s unrealized potential stems from a leadership culture prioritizing speeches over tangible action.

Governance and Implementation

Lumumba delivered his address under the theme “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate, Collaborate, Trade.” He expressed concern over a recurring pattern of leaders making commitments at forums but failing to follow through upon returning to their respective countries. This disconnect, he stated, hinders the success of initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He emphasized the need for a shift away from what he termed “theatre of diplomacy” towards a results-oriented administration.

Citizen Accountability

Lumumba highlighted the role of African citizens in enabling poor governance. He suggested that a cultural tendency towards excessive politeness has shielded politicians from necessary accountability. He advocated for a more direct and honest engagement between citizens and their leaders, urging a move away from diplomatic niceties. He stated, “Until the day our politicians change their modus operandi, this continent will not realize. They must be called out. We have been too nice to politicians for too long. The time is now to tell them the truth in its unadulterated form.”

Metrics and Challenges

Data presented at the Dialogues supports Lumumba’s critique, revealing a gap between policy and practice across African Union member states. Key metrics illustrating this disparity include:

• Protocol Ratification: While most African nations have signed the AfCFTA agreement, many have not yet implemented the legal frameworks needed for seamless trade by SMEs.
• Youth Demographic Pressure: With 60% of Africa’s population under 25, the continent requires the creation of 12 to 15 million jobs annually, a need Lumumba argued cannot be met through speeches alone.
• Trade Barriers: Intra-African trade currently accounts for only 15-18% of the continent’s total trade volume, significantly lower than rates in Europe and Asia.

Call to Action and Future Outlook

Lumumba challenged the organizers and participants of the African Prosperity Dialogues to ensure the forum leads to concrete action. He urged the African Prosperity Network (APN) to establish mechanisms for tracking progress on resolutions. He noted growing frustration among African youth due to a perceived disconnect between the political class and the realities on the ground. The 2026 Dialogues concluded with discussions on how to institutionalize accountability measures, reflecting a renewed sense of urgency.