KIGALI — Rwandan President Paul Kagame has called on Africans to fundamentally change their attitudes, behaviour and approach to problem-solving, arguing that the continent cannot achieve meaningful progress through words alone.
Speaking Tuesday at the inaugural Africa Mindset Reset Forum 2026 in Kigali, Kagame said Africa already knows many of its major challenges and possible solutions, but warned that identifying problems is not enough without corresponding changes in behaviour and action.
“We have to change our continent, but we can’t change our continent without changing our behavior, our way of doing things, our attitudes,” he said.
The forum, organised by the African School of Governance, brought together African leaders, former heads of state, young people, policymakers and other stakeholders under the theme “From Pan-Africanism to Meta-Africanism.”
More than 2,500 participants attended the event in person at the Kigali Convention Centre, while thousands more reportedly followed the discussions online.
Kagame said one of Africa’s central challenges is the disconnect between what people say they want and what they are prepared to do to achieve it. He urged Africans to take greater responsibility for the continent’s future and reduce reliance on solutions coming from outside Africa.
The Rwandan president argued that sustainable development requires not only stronger institutions and policies but also changes in attitudes, discipline, accountability and the way individuals and governments carry out their responsibilities.
His remarks have generated significant discussion online, with supporters highlighting his emphasis on personal responsibility, behavioural change and practical action as essential elements of Africa’s development.
The Africa Mindset Reset Forum is continuing in Kigali, bringing together policymakers, leaders and young Africans to discuss new approaches to governance, leadership and the continent’s future.
