The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre will bring experienced leaders, scholars and young practitioners together to reflect on Africa’s leadership history and future priorities.
The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) will use its 2026 symposium to examine lessons Africa can draw from past leadership experiences while addressing challenges facing the next generation.
The symposium, scheduled for October 14 under the theme “Borrowing from the Past, Building the Future,” will explore which leadership values remain relevant, which ambitions require renewed commitment and what younger generations need to change to shape the continent’s future.
Discussions will focus on issues affecting East Africa, including regional integration, trade and entrepreneurship, peace and security, technology, public leadership and youth participation.
The intergenerational dialogue is intended to bring experienced leaders and scholars together with students and young practitioners to share experiences, question established assumptions and identify ideas that can inform future action.
Rather than treating historical experiences as ready-made solutions, the symposium will provide an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and limitations of previous generations and consider how their lessons can be applied to present-day realities.
“Borrowing from the past does not mean living in it. It means identifying the values, experiences and lessons that remain relevant, while having the courage to question what no longer serves us,” said Prof. Gerald Kagambirwe Karyeija.
The main symposium will follow an invitation-only Ekyooto gathering on October 13, which will provide an additional forum for reflection on leadership values and Africa’s future.