African countries have continued to struggle in terms of development because of poor governance, UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi has said.
Speaking on Monday during the Kusi Ideas Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, Mukhisa asked African countries including Kenya to vote for the right leaders if they want to realize their economic goals. He reminded the voters to think critically before electing their leaders in different capacities.
He noted that unless the leaders rethink their course of action African will continue to remain behind when it comes to development.
“Don't vote with your feet, vote with your brains, build an Africa that realizes dreams,” he said.
He also urged African leaders to consider creating opportunities for the youth. He said that it is unfortunate that most governments claim that they have good plans for the youth yet they are not doing much to make their lives better.
“The govt says 'we believe in our youth' but there is no tax incentive for young entrepreneurs investing in businesses,” he added.
He also asked the Kenyan government to revisit the leadership of developed countries such as Hungary. He argued that Hungary and Kenya had the same population in 1960 but it has turned out that the latter is yet to develop.
“In 1960, Hungary and Kenya had the same population, 7M people. In 2019, the population of Hungary is 7M, Kenya has 48M. What magic does Kenya have to give the quality that Hungary gives to 7M, to 48m?” he said.
ODM leader Raila Amolo Odinga was present during the event.