CS Ruku urges African youth to embrace Ubuntu Leadership

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, has called on African youth to lead the continent’s transformation by embracing the African philosophy of Ubuntu.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 2025 All Country Conference at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, Ruku emphasized the need for youth-led, community-driven leadership to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges.

Themed “Leading with Ubuntu: African Youth Transforming the Continent,” the five-day conference is hosted by CorpsAfrica and brings together over 1,000 young leaders, volunteers, policymakers, and global stakeholders.

In his keynote address, Ruku praised African youth as a “powerful force” shaping the continent’s future.

“They are already leading in technology, social enterprise, advocacy, climate action, creative arts, and governance,” he said. “They are not just the future, they are the now.”

He defined Ubuntu as the spirit of collectivism, empathy, and shared humanity, and urged young Africans to use it as a guiding principle in leadership.

“True leadership is not about individual success but about collective growth. That is the spirit of Ubuntu,” Ruku stated.

Highlighting Africa’s youth demographic, over 60pc of the population, Ruku encouraged young people to turn challenges such as poverty, tribalism, and unemployment into opportunities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.

He pointed to artificial intelligence, blockchain, and renewable energy as key areas where youth can drive change.

Ruku also challenged conference delegates to develop educational policies and strategies that nurture Ubuntu-inspired leadership in schools, colleges, and communities.

“We must move from idealism to action. Ubuntu must become a strategic imperative for transforming Africa into an economic powerhouse,” he said.

As he concluded, Ruku issued a dual call to action: for youth to mentor and uplift one another, and for older generations to invest in young people.

“It is our collective responsibility to create a better Africa. The success of one youth must be the success of all.”

The conference continues through June 20, focusing on community-led development, youth innovation, and sustainable progress across the continent.