Reframing soft skills as core competencies: a contextual framework for public leadership development in Africa

Purpose This article examines how leadership development frameworks in African contexts can be strengthened by integrating soft skills, particularly in public and non-profit organisations. While soft skills are increasingly recognised in global leadership discourse, many African programmes still prioritise technical competencies. This study examines the under-representation of soft skills as core competencies in leadership development frameworks within African public and non-profit contexts. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative interpretivist approach was employed, using 21 semi-structured interviews and one focus group with seven participants from Zambia’s public, NGO and private sectors. An online survey with 41 respondents supported thematic triangulation. Data were analysed thematically, guided by transformational leadership theory and emotional intelligence theory, to examine how soft skills are perceived, taught and applied within leadership development programmes. Findings Soft skills – though widely acknowledged as essential – are rarely prioritised or embedded in public sector leadership practice. Organisational cultures often favour technical compliance and hierarchical control over emotional competence and adaptive communication. Participants identified values such as Ubuntu, self-leadership and empathy as vital to effective leadership but noted inconsistent institutional reinforcement. The study underscores the need to reposition soft skills as foundational, especially in public leadership, where influence, trust and ethical engagement are key. Originality/value This article offers original empirical insights into the perception and integration of soft skills in African leadership contexts. It exposes the gap between rhetorical endorsement and actual practice and presents a contextual framework with practical implications for policymakers and leadership strategists aiming to embed soft skills in leadership development.