Abstract:
The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) is a concerted effort
by Africa’s political leaders to develop a comprehensive and integrated
strategic policy framework aimed at raising the current levels of socioeconomic
development and reduces the high levels of poverty across Africa. The
article examines the need for establishing the NEPAD and further investigates the
level of leadership challenges facing the initiative. The article also explored some
strategies that could assist in the implementation of the NEPAD’s world acclaimed
poverty eradication initiatives. It provides possible benchmarks that will assist the
NEPAD implementation process to conform to acceptable codes and standards.
However, the Comparative Leadership and Governance challenges faced by
the Nigerian and South African governments are examined to identify relevant
leadership qualities of the two countries. In conclusion, the article identifies
progress made with the NEPAD initiative as a result of the leadership roles of
Nigeria and South Africa. It encourages a continued collaboration between the
Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa with the aim of
achieving a more focused and result-oriented NEPAD initiative which could secure
sustainable socio-economic development in Africa now and in the future.