But the mark of a true leader is the willingness to learn and grow, to adapt and evolve for the betterment of the company and its employees.
As African tech continues to mature and evolve, we have the opportunity to redefine what leadership looks like in our industry. We can move away from the strongman model and towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient form of leadership.
It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight. But by embracing stewardship, by empowering our teams, by fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration, we can build companies that last. Companies that weather the storms and emerge stronger on the other side.
It’s time to let go of the myth of the strongman and embrace a new vision of leadership in African tech. The future of our industry depends on it. Growth in leadership begins with honesty and self-reflection. It is not about striving for perfection, but rather acknowledging the need for evolution from command to collaboration, from control to trust, and from self-centeredness to leaving a legacy.
As leaders, it is important to ask ourselves some tough questions:
– Do I make decisions in isolation, or have I surrounded myself with a team that I trust to challenge me?
– When things go wrong, do I take ownership of the situation or shift blame onto others?
– Can my company thrive and succeed without my constant presence and involvement?
– Do I create an environment where people feel safe to voice their disagreements and opinions?
– Am I transparent with my board, providing them with the same level of openness that I expect from my team?
– Am I grooming future leaders who will continue the legacy, or am I creating a culture of strongmen and tyrants?
These questions may be uncomfortable to confront, but they are essential for personal and professional growth. The true mark of a successful leader is not how long they hold onto power, but rather the lasting impact they leave behind.
In the African tech industry, there is a need for a shift towards building and stewardship. Our continent does not need more strongmen, but rather architects, builders, and stewards who are focused on creating sustainable and enduring legacies.
It is time for us to plant trees under whose shade we may never sit, and to build homes where others can find shelter and support.
About the author:
Toni Campbell is the Founder and Managing Partner at Kinfolk Venture Capital, a firm that has a history of investing in African startups such as Norebase, Bento, and Yassir. With a passion for fostering growth and sustainability in the tech industry, Toni is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders in Africa.
