By Oluwakemi Kindness
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says Africa’s transformation will depend on the quality, diversity and inclusiveness of the leaders it produces.
The agency is therefore urging governments and institutions to invest more in women’s leadership to drive sustainable development across the continent.
Speaking at the Women Leaders Networking Meeting in Abuja, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, said Africa’s future would increasingly be shaped by African leadership, ideas and solutions.
She said inclusive leadership remains central to unlocking opportunities in trade, innovation, investment and partnerships, adding that lasting transformation can only be achieved through collective action.
Attafuah also highlighted UNDP initiatives such as Africa Promise, timbuktoo, HerAfCFTA, the Africa Facility for Women in Political Leadership and YouthConnekt Africa as platforms advancing women’s participation in development.
Also speaking, the First Lady of Kwara State, Olufolake Abdulrazaq, reaffirmed her commitment to improving the lives of women, young people and children through poverty reduction, grants and social investment programmes.
She called on development partners to deepen collaboration with Nigeria’s First Ladies, saying they remain committed to supporting interventions in health, education, technology, humanitarian services and economic empowerment.
The networking meeting, themed “Women Leading Africa’s Next Chapter,” was convened by the United Nations Development Programme in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to honour Ahunna Eziakonwa.
The First Lady of Imo State and Chair of the Progressive Governors’ Spouses Forum, Chioma Uzodimma, praised Eziakonwa for her outstanding leadership and contributions to sustainable development across Africa.
She said Eziakonwa’s accomplishments demonstrate the immense potential of Nigerian women and serve as an inspiration to young girls aspiring to leadership.
The event brought together women leaders from government, diplomacy, business and civil society to strengthen mentorship, expand partnerships and promote greater participation of women in leadership and decision-making across Africa.
