Ndaba Mandela (centre) with Dr. Wilton George Ekpo Adebowale Mcdonald II, a globally respected legal, financial and investment leader (left), and iBenjamen Adeyanju, a Silicon Valley-based climate innovation & energy access specialist (right) during the briefing
By Peace Muthoka
Nairobi, January 4, 2026 – Ndaba Mandela has urged African leaders and young people to uphold the rule of law as the foundation for change during a media briefing in Nairobi ahead of the Mandela African Leadership Summit opening on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Glee Hotel, the Founder and Chairman of the Mandela Institute for Humanity warned that Africa’s future depends on accountable leadership and active citizen participation, not slogans or online activism.
Mandela said the continent risks stagnation if leaders fail to respect the law and citizens remain spectators in governance. He stressed that meaningful development only thrives where leaders answer to the people.
He noted that corruption and maladministration dominate public debate, yet enforcement and accountability lag behind. According to him, laws lose meaning when leaders believe they are above them.
“We talk about corruption all the time, but the rule of law must prevail,” Mandela said. “Leaders must know they will be held accountable by the law and by the people.”
He then challenged Africa’s youth to abandon political apathy and step directly into public service. Mandela urged young people to engage where decisions are made and resources allocated.
Change, he said, does not happen from the outside.
“You must stand up, get your hands dirty, and deal with real community problems,” Mandela said, adding that corruption should inspire reform, not withdrawal.
The Mandela African Leadership Summit, inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy, brings together policymakers, investors, innovators, and young leaders from across Africa. The forum focuses on ethical leadership, youth empowerment, climate action, and regional cooperation.
Also speaking at the briefing, global legal and investment expert Hon. Chief Prince Dr. Wilton George Ekpo Adebowale McDonald II said Africa’s growth depends on strong institutions and legal certainty.
He warned that investors avoid environments where laws lack consistency and enforcement.
“Africa does not lack opportunity,” he said. “It lacks policy continuity, institutional courage, and respect for the rule of law.”
Meanwhile, Silicon Valley–based climate and energy specialist iBenjamen Adeyanju highlighted the role of innovation in shaping Africa’s future economy.
He said young Africans must lead the transition to clean energy and climate-smart development.
“The next African economy will be built by leaders who understand technology and sustainability,” Adeyanju said. “This Summit is about activating that leadership now.”
As the Summit begins, organizers reaffirmed their goal to nurture ethical leadership, strengthen youth participation, and position Africa as a continent that solves its challenges through accountability and innovation.
In his closing remarks, Mandela urged Africans to move beyond digital outrage and take action on the ground.
“Get off the phones, get into your communities, and build solutions,” he said. “That is how Africa will rise.”
