Ethics is a very powerful, yet one of the most under-utilized tools in the African leader's tool kit.  Ethics originates from the Greek word "ethos" which denotes "custom or character".  Generally, ethics describes and prescribes moral requirement and behaviors, which suggest that there are acceptable and unacceptable ways of behaving in the society.  According to Henry Sims, ethical behavior is deemed as behavior that is morally accepted as "Good" and "Right" as opposed to "bad" or "wrong" in a given situation.

Without a doubt, our world is currently confronted by leadership deficiency and I believe it is more prevalent in the African Continent.  In my view, leadership efficiency, positive impact and influence go hand in hand with ethical behavior so, when ethics is absent, leadership effectiveness suffers.

I am genuinely passionate about ethics because my generation needs role models to prepare us for the leadership baton.  And if ethical behavior constitutes morals, principles, conduct and modesty, then it needs to be embraced by our current leaders and modeled to the next generation.  In a society where ethical behavior is not valued or practiced, development and advancement are stifled.

According to the United Nations statistics, Africa is expected to have the largest population of youths by the year 2030.  Based on this information and the current trends, it is very apparent that Africa's leadership (whether in corporations, government, organizations or communities), will soon rest on the shoulders of this dynamic group. As successors, we need to be taught not only how to lead but how to lead authentically and ethically.  Ethical behavior is one of the most essential tools we will need to shape and strengthen the acceptable leadership values needed to yield positive impact in our continent and beyond.  Besides, if leadership is "influence and moving people to a desired destination", then ethics and ethical behavior should be the bridge that connects the people to their destination.  This is how important ethics and ethical behavior have become.

Ethical behavior speaks to 'doing the right thing' and I believe that doing the right thing, begins with a transparent system that will promote accountability.  As a political science student, I have learned that when we establish robust and 'comprehensive framework' and hold leaders, politicians and even aspiring leaders accountable to model ethics, it will be a great starting point to making ethical behavior part of the fabric of African society.

With a firm foundation and belief in education and training, I know that both are essential ingredients for youth growth and responsible leadership behavior.  Ethics education and training need to be institutionalized in Africa, because according to former president Barrack Obama, "Africa doesn't need strongmen but strong institutions."   To encourage youth leaders to practice and adopt ethical behavior as part of their leadership, education and training of youth leaders must be centered on programs and activities that contribute to the development of their ethical values.  Such programs should be designed to educate, train and equip youth to evolve gradually into this new norm of applying ethics and ethical behavior in their day to day walk. This is the experience I have the privilege to enjoy in my mentorship journey with Coaches of Influence Foundation (COIF).

It is no secret that the development of Africa's youth and their leadership is a complex and dynamic process considering that most of them may not have the opportunity to inherit a healthy leadership baton or system.  This is why the education and training provided to youth leaders should be solid and authentic enough to address the gaps that exist.  Dr. Margaret Ellis articulates it profoundly in her teachings.  She believes that "people cannot rise above the knowledge they acquire.  Therefore, we need to start educating Africa's youth to the level of the Africa we all want to see".  Appropriate Ethical Behavior is indeed an essential tool for Africa's youth and the pathway to arriving at the desired destination is education, training and modeling from the current leaders, organizations and institutions.

Author:  Andrew Mendy

Editor:  Dr. Margaret Ellis