Vice-President W.K. Mutale Nalumango has called on African Christian leaders to come together to establish ways and means to address Africa’s quest for transformation.
Speaking at the opening of the two-day Lead Africa 2025 Summit, Dr. Nalumango emphasised the importance of solidarity and collective action in achieving Africa’s development goals.
The summit, which brings together Christian leaders, innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from across the continent, is themed “Transformational Leadership for Africa’s Future”.
Dr. Nalumango urged the delegates to translate the summit discussions into concrete actions and outcomes and to renew their commitment to Africa’s Agenda 2063 and its goals.
“Africa cannot continue to remain behind in its quest for development,” Nalumango said. “Economic transformation is not an option anymore for Africa’s development but a cornerstone for economic emancipation.”
Her Honour the Vice President underlined that economic transformation and prosperity are master keys for development and that African Christian leaders need to use the necessary strategies and skills to make this a reality.
Dr. Nalumango also highlighted the importance of investing in the education, skills, and Christian values of Africa’s youthful population, who are a key asset and driver of the continent’s future.
She commended the organisers of the summit for bringing together a range of Christian leaders from across Africa and expressed her appreciation for the productive partnership between the Council of Churches in Zambia and the summit organisers.
In her keynote address, the Vice President also emphasised the importance of light and wisdom in leadership, citing Jesus Christ as the light of the world, further urging the delegates to seek wisdom from God and to lead with integrity and accountability.
The Lead Africa Summit aims to facilitate dialogue, inspire Africa, and cultivate transformational leadership on the continent.
The Vice President’s call for collective action and solidarity is considered a significant step towards achieving Africa’s development goals, and the summit is expected to provide a platform for Christian leaders to establish ways and means to address the continent’s quest for transformation.
Speaking at the same event, African Lead Ambassador representative Barine Kirimi called for transformational leadership in Africa, emphasising the need for leaders who embody Godly values and strive for lasting improvement.
Dr. Kirimi highlighted the importance of humility, wisdom, and a commitment to serve the people.
“Africa is a continent of immense potential, he said. “We have fertile fields, abundant resources, and a lot of untapped talent. But despite these gifts, our continent remains held back, not by lack of capacity, but by a crisis of leadership.”
He cited the book of Proverbs, chapter 29, verse 18, which warns that when there is no vision, the people perish.
“Our leadership challenge is not just political or economic,” the ambassador said. “It’s deeply spiritual. We need leaders who seek to serve with purpose and who are guided by God’s vision.”
The ambassador also emphasised the importance of servant leadership, citing Jesus’ teachings in Mark chapter 10, verse 42.
“Jesus calls us to a higher standard, a different kind of leadership,” the ambassador said. “One where the greatest amongst us is the servant of God.”
In addition, Dr. Stephen Gumbo, Chairperson of the Local Organising Team, welcomed delegates to the summit, introducing various categories of people present, including government officials, ambassadors, and representatives from partner organisations.
The summit has attracted a range of dignitaries, including the Permanent Secretary for Parliamentary Business, National Guidance and Religious Affairs in the office of the Vice President, Mr. Ndiwa Mutelo, and ambassadors from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Also in attendance are representatives from the Council of Churches in Zambia, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia, and other Christian organisations.
The Lead Africa Summit is expected to provide a platform for Christian leaders to establish ways and means to address the continent’s quest for transformation and to promote economic development, peace, and stability in Africa.
23rd July, 2025.