The Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ISMN) has affirmed that Africa is increasingly producing leaders equipped to drive organisational growth and make meaningful global impact through strategic leadership and deliberate preparation.

This position was articulated at the institute’s 2026 Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos yesterday, where speakers underscored the centrality of strategy, innovation and human capital development to the continent’s future.

In his welcome address, the ISMN President and Chairman-in-Council, Mr Alex Enebeli, described leadership preparation as the bedrock of exceptional performance. He stressed that leadership competence extends beyond academic qualifications, professional skills and experience, noting that effective leadership demands vision, focus and a clear strategic direction.

Enebeli explained that the institute collaborates with corporate organisations, government agencies and higher institutions to develop leaders capable of formulating and executing strategies for sustainable growth.

He added that ISMN, being chartered by law, is mandated to regulate and certify leadership and strategy practitioners across public and private sectors. He urged senior executives to leverage the institute’s programmes to strengthen their leadership capacity, adding that ISMN’s long-term objective is to promote innovation, enterprise and good governance through well-prepared leaders.

The keynote speaker, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd, Mr Tony Attah, emphasised that strategic leadership, innovation and decisive action are critical to Africa’s development and long-term competitiveness.

Represented by Dr Mesh Maichibi, Vice President, Production, Attah noted that the company’s collaboration with ISMN had enhanced leadership capacity through sustained training, mentoring and knowledge sharing.

He encouraged participants to translate insights from the conference into action by making informed strategic decisions, building trust, strengthening relationships and focusing on value creation as pathways to accelerating Africa’s growth and transformation.

Also speaking, the guest speaker, Managing Director of Ardova, Dr Abiola Babatunde-Ojo, highlighted the importance of identity in shaping Africa’s development trajectory. Represented by the General Manager, Strategy, Mrs Aderonke Akilo, she maintained that the continent’s progress depends on building on its unique identity rather than abandoning it in pursuit of advancement.