Zimbabwean Ambassador Challenges INES-Ruhengeri Students to Rethink Leadership, Good Governance, and Youth Empowerment

INES-Ruhengeri hosted the Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to Rwanda, H.E. Prof. Charity Manyeruke, on 8 December 2025 for a public lecture on the theme “The Contribution of Good Governance to Africa’s Future: Laying the Foundation for Stability, Prosperity and Sustainable Development.” The Ambassador was received by the Vice Chancellor, Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco Baribeshya, who welcomed her on behalf of the institution’s leadership.

Speaking to an audience of students, faculty, and staff from the Faculty of Law and Public Administration, the Ambassador delivered a powerful message on the urgent role of governance, leadership, and youth empowerment in shaping Africa’s future. She began by addressing corruption, describing it as a major obstacle that continues to undermine progress across the continent. She commended the strong cooperation between Rwanda and Zimbabwe in combating corruption, noting that such collaboration is a mark of responsible governance and a shared commitment to building transparent societies.

The Ambassador urged students to rethink what leadership means in the twenty-first century. Leadership today, she said, is not defined by authority or titles but by service, competence, courage, and character. “Leadership is not about the title,” she reminded the audience. “It is about service. It is about ubuntu: I am because you are.”

Turning to youth development, she stressed that Africa’s future depends on addressing challenges surrounding youth employability. The issue, she argued, is larger than employment alone. “If nothing is done about youth employment, it creates problems and raises frustration,” she noted. What young people truly need, she said, is empowerment—frameworks that build capacity, confidence, and innovation.

The Ambassador also highlighted the critical role academic institutions must play in national development. She described classrooms as “laboratories” where ideas are tested, and where future solutions are born. For this reason, she emphasized the need for close collaboration between government and universities to translate academic research into actionable policies. Such partnerships, she said, are essential for strengthening governance and supporting evidence-based decision-making across Africa.

During the interactive session, students engaged the Ambassador with a range of questions on law, governance, and public administration. Each question was addressed with depth and clarity, leaving students inspired and satisfied with the insights they received.