Leadership as Stewardship: Toward Political Structural Engineering for Sustainable Development in Africa

This article critically examines the entrenched challenges of political tenacity, godfatherism, and dynastic succession that continue to undermine governance and democratic consolidation in Africa. It argues for a redefinition of leadership as stewardship, a responsibility to citizens, posterity, and prosperity rather than an avenue for entitlement or personal enrichment. Drawing on stewardship theory and institutionalist perspectives, the paper situates leadership within the ethical obligation to safeguard resources and act in the collective interest. Through comparative insights from developed democracies, particularly in Europe, the article highlights accountability practices such as strong institutions, voluntary resignations, and transparent governance that strengthen democratic resilience. It proposes a framework of political structural engineering including institutional strengthening, campaign finance reform, and social accountability mechanisms as essential reforms to realign African governance with fairness, transparency, and sustainable development.