Making Africa Work for Africans: Collaborations and Partnerships

Abstract

 The Made in Africa Leadership Conference (MLC) had its first international conference in June 2019, and its main agenda was to support African leaders to solve Africa’s problems. It succeeded in gathering leaders from 29 African countries in the course of mobilizing the leaders’ efforts to discuss the continent’s pressing issues. After a successful number of conferences, the 5th edition of MLC took place in Accra, Ghana, from 14th to 15th June 2023. This hybrid conference was hosted by the originators of the conference, BCA Leadership. BCA Leadership is Africa’s largest network of executive coaches and leadership enhancement engines. MLC Conferences gather like-minded leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to spark new ideas, forge new partnerships, and catalyze social, financial, and mind shift change for leaders in Africa. This year, the conference gathered 300+ leaders and several others online for the 5th edition of MLC under the theme, “Making Africa Work for Africans: Collaborations and Partnerships”. With speakers from varied industries of expertise such as banking, trade, education, fin-tech, and many more, the sessions held at the 5th edition highlighted key action points for 4 emerging leaders to aid in resolving Africa’s pressing challenges. A vital component of the conference was its peer learning lab sessions which encouraged young leaders to share perspectives on their major topics of focus. These topics spurred discussions on coaching for emerging leaders, handling adversities, transformations in the educational space, the role of the church in creating global footprints, and requirements for CEOs. With a perfect networking opportunity, delegates did not only learn nuggets for effective leadership but also engaged in fun and interactive sessions such as the industry site visits and the bonfire night. Thus, the conference encouraged both the formal and informal exchange of knowledge to create growth opportunities. A lasting impact was left at the launch of the first series of the book, “Leadership Made in Africa”, by Dr. Modupe Taylor-Pearce. With delegates empowered with knowledge, networks, and a book full of guidelines for successful leadership, the conference encouraged its 300+ delegates to create impact through coaching.