Africa Needs Visionary Leadership to Drive Self-Reliant Development – Son of Julius Nyerere

Addis Ababa, December 11, 2025 (FMC) — Godfrey Madaraka Nyerere, son of Tanzania’s founding father and first President Julius Nyerere, has lauded Ethiopia’s flagship development projects as a demonstration of how visionary leadership can drive self-reliant growth across Africa.

Madaraka, alongside other descendants of former African legendary leaders and freedom fighters, visited Africa’s largest hydropower dam – the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) – and other mega projects in Ethiopia recently.

Speaking exclusively to Fana Media Corporation during his visit to GERD, Madaraka highlighted that Africa possesses the resources, expertise, and talent to execute large-scale projects independently, without relying on foreign assistance.

“This is a very impressive project. Any African visiting here should be proud that Ethiopia, through its own resources, has completed it. It is not just the government — every Ethiopian has contributed, and every citizen can take pride in what has been accomplished,” he said, emphasizing the critical role of local participation in nation-building.

Madaraka stressed that such initiatives go beyond national boundaries, benefiting neighboring countries and reinforcing Pan-African cooperation.

“This project is original to Ethiopia, but it develops the Pan-African idea that African countries and people must work together to achieve large-scale development. Tanzania, for example, receives energy from this project. These initiatives show how continental collaboration can deliver tangible benefits,” he said.

He noted that Africa’s current generation must embrace responsibility and actively contribute to the continent’s development discourse.

“The future belongs to the younger generation. They must participate actively, contribute ideas, and guide leaders in planning carefully, because these projects will affect generations to come,” Madaraka said, underscoring the need for intergenerational engagement in shaping Africa’s progress.

Madaraka also praised Ethiopia’s broader development agenda, including energy, gas, and fertilizer initiatives, describing them as a model for self-reliant development across Africa.

“It is vital for Africans to develop courage and responsibility, to take on projects ourselves, and not rely on outsiders. Ethiopia shows that it is possible to achieve significant progress independently,” he said.

Highlighting leadership lessons, Madaraka said Ethiopia’s current leadership exemplifies forward-looking governance, planning projects that extend benefits regionally and continentally.

“The current Ethiopian leadership is forward-looking, developing ideas that go beyond the country itself. These projects are not only for the region but eventually for the continent. The Pan-African spirit lives on in what they are building,” he said.

During the visit, Madaraka and other members of the delegation toured the dam and received briefings on its design, engineering, and regional impact. He concluded by urging African nations to embrace self-reliance, prioritize local talent, and foster continental cooperation, emphasizing that Ethiopia’s example can serve as a blueprint for the continent.

“Africa has the resources, the talent, and the vision. Ethiopia is showing the way forward, and other nations can learn and replicate these successes,” he said.