As you read this article, I will be settled in Kigali, admiring the clean streets and quiet confidence of Rwanda, a tiny nation in the middle of Africa that is punching way above its weight.
I am here attending a conference on global surgery, but my attention is drawn to leadership and its impact on nations.
A few weeks ago, I laid out a new vision for African leadership, challenging the conventional markers of success.
Too often, success is measured by political longevity, personal wealth, or GDP growth, yet these metrics often fail to capture the true essence of transformational leadership.
Instead, I argued that leadership should be measured by vision, conviction, and, most importantly, tangible outcomes that improve lives.
Few leaders embody this philosophy better than President Paul Kagame. Leadership begins with clarity of purpose.
Kagame has always been unequivocal about where Rwanda should go. His vision is not driven by nostalgia for a past that no longer serves Africa but by a forward-thinking pragmatism that prioritises self-reliance, technological advancement, and economic resilience.
He has embraced modernity while reinforcing a strong national identity, fostering a sense of collective responsibility among Rwandans.
Unlike many leaders who waver in their convictions for political convenience, Kagame does not bend easily.
This has earned him both admiration and criticism. His leadership is not defined by ideological purity but by a results-oriented pragmatism that prioritises national stability and progress over everything else.
While many leaders talk, Kagame delivers. Rwanda’s transformation under his leadership is undeniable: Rwanda has consistently ranked among Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with substantial investments in infrastructure, ICT, and tourism.
Kigali has become a symbol of urban renewal and efficiency in governance. Unlike in many African nations where corruption is deeply entrenched, Rwanda has taken a firm stance, with stringent laws and a culture of accountability.
Kagame’s government has implemented a universal healthcare system that serves the majority of the population, a feat few African nations have achieved.
Education, particularly in science and technology, is a key focus, ensuring Rwanda’s workforce is prepared for the future.
Lastly, in a region historically plagued by conflict, Rwanda remains one of the safest countries in Africa.
The discipline within its governance structures ensures that security is not just a government function but a societal priority.
These are not abstract achievements; they are real indicators of a nation’s upward trajectory.
True wealth will always exceed your own needs. It is not a destination; it is a river, flowing outward to create opportunities and hope.
Too often, wealth in Africa stops at the gates of private estates. Yet history and culture offer us a different model.
No leader is without fault, and Kagame is no exception. Critics often point to concerns over political freedoms, press restrictions, and Rwanda’s involvement in regional conflicts, particularly in the DR Congo.
These are valid concerns that should be discussed. However, the criticism itself is a testament to his influence—unlike many African leaders who are politically inconsequential beyond their borders, Kagame’s leadership reverberates far beyond Rwanda.
In many indigenous societies, leaders were stewards of their communities, guided by principles like Ubuntu: I am because we are.
Prosperity was shared, and leadership was rooted in service. The question remains: should leadership be judged solely by democratic ideals, or should it be measured by governance efficiency and national progress?
If a leader transforms a country from a post-genocide ruin into a global case study in effective governance, can we ignore those outcomes simply because they challenge Western democratic orthodoxy? One lingering question that remains is whether Rwanda is prepared for a future beyond Kagame.
His leadership has been so integral to the nation’s stability and progress that it is difficult to envision Rwanda without him at the helm.
Ultimately, Kagame’s leadership is a case study in what African leadership can achieve when vision, discipline, and execution align. His leadership style may not fit the traditional mould, but its effectiveness is undeniable.
Dr Nicholas Okumu is a
surgeon, writer and advocate
of healthcare reform and leadership in Africa.
