By Davida Spaine-Solomon
Freetown, 14th May, 2026— Former Malawian President Dr. Joyce Banda has called on African leaders to embrace wisdom-driven and people-centred leadership while taking stronger action to protect African women and girls from exploitation and abuse. Dr. Joyce Banda made this call on Wednesday, 13th May 2026, on day two of the 2nd Julius Mada Bio Leadership Colloquium in Freetown at Bintumani Conference Centre, Aberdeen.
In delivering her keynote address on the theme, “Power in Equity: Advancing Women’s Leadership for a Better Africa,” Banda advocated for inclusive governance, noting that leadership should be grounded in service, integrity, and compassion rather than personal ambition or political power.
Dr. Joyce Banda believed that academic qualifications are not the only thing, but wisdom, which comes from God.
Drawing from decades of public service and political leadership, she believed that true leadership is measured by the ability to uplift people and create opportunities for future generations.
“I have seen those who get into leadership for power and those who get into leadership to serve,” she said, urging young African leaders to pursue leadership with humility, courage, and a commitment to humanity.
Dr. Joyce Banda expressed concern over the exploitation and trafficking of African women and girls to some parts of the Middle East under the pretext of overseas employment opportunities.
“There are countries in Africa receiving numerous bodies of young girls every year because they are being abused, tortured, and enslaved,” she said, describing the situation as deeply troubling.
She commended African leaders and institutions that continue to advocate for the dignity, protection, and rights of women and girls at both continental and international levels, including within the African Union (AU).
The former president further encouraged governments and development partners to invest more intentionally in youth empowerment, education, and social development initiatives, which are capable of transforming lives across the continent.
Banda emphasized that visionary leadership and sustainable development programmes can leave a lasting impact, describing it as far beyond a leader’s time in office.
During lighter moments in her address, she recounted her experience travelling to Sierra Leone, joking about having to complete part of the journey by boat after arriving at the airport. Her remark drew laughter from the audience.
However, she used the moment to underscore the importance of strengthening safety measures for water transportation, particularly the availability of life jackets for passengers.
The Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium was a two-day Pan-African gathering that brought together young leaders, policymakers, diplomats, innovators, and development stakeholders across Africa to discuss leadership, governance, innovation, women’s empowerment, and youth transformation.
