OP-ED | Brave Leadership: Putting People at the Heart of Africa’s Digital Transformation, By Nanda Scott

As Africa accelerates its digital transformation, true progress will depend not only on technology or strategy, but on the courage and authenticity of leaders who place people at the centre of change — inspiring trust, resilience, and shared purpose across the continent.

As Africa accelerates into the digital age, the success of transformation — whether at the national, institutional, or corporate level — depends less on technology and more on people. Every strategy, every innovation, and every system ultimately comes down to human belief, behaviour, and trust.
Change, no matter how well-intentioned, often creates uncertainty. It is during these moments that leadership must step up — not only to give direction, but to provide reassurance, clarity, and courage.

Leadership in Times of Uncertainty

Across Africa, business leaders are facing unprecedented change as technology reshapes industries, economies, and societies. More than half of the continent’s CEOs believe that digital disruption will fundamentally alter how they create and deliver value. Yet, technology alone cannot drive progress. Leadership — empathetic, authentic, and forward-looking — is what determines whether organisations thrive or falter in this new era.

No leader has all the answers. What matters is the willingness to lead with openness and courage, even when the path ahead is not clear. It is about inspiring teams to embrace uncertainty with confidence, turning disruption into opportunity.

Authenticity, Clarity, and Courage

At Cassava Technologies, we have learned that authenticity is the cornerstone of transformation. Leaders who are transparent in their intentions and consistent in their actions create spaces where people feel safe to speak up, innovate, and challenge old ways of thinking. Trust emerges not from perfection, but from honesty — acknowledging what one does not know while demonstrating conviction in pursuing solutions.

Authentic leadership makes people feel seen, heard, and valued. It transforms employees from passive participants in a change process into active partners in progress. When people feel part of something meaningful, they give their best.

Equally essential is clarity of purpose. Change must never happen for its own sake. Leaders must define the “why” — why change is necessary, what success looks like, and how each person fits into that vision. A clear, compelling narrative aligns effort, builds ownership, and creates momentum.

And then comes courage — the ability to make difficult decisions, to course-correct when needed, and to persevere through uncertainty. Courageous leaders keep people at the centre of decision-making, understanding that organisations move forward only when their people believe in the journey.

People First, Always

True transformation is not powered by systems or strategies, but by people who care. Organisations that listen, engage, and invest in their people build resilience. They connect hearts and minds — not just processes and metrics.

At Cassava Technologies, our experience continues to reaffirm a simple truth: brave leadership is not about hierarchy, strategy, or technology alone. It is about empowering people — helping them see their role in shaping a future that belongs to all of us.

When people feel trusted, respected, and inspired, they don’t merely adapt to change — they drive it. That is how Africa’s digital transformation will succeed: by putting people at the heart of progress.

About the Author

Nanda Scott is the Group Chief Transformation and People Officer at Cassava Technologies. The views expressed in this Op-Ed article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect African Newspage editorial policy.