​Lerato Mailoane
The Africa Economic Leadership Council (AELC), on Tuesday, officially launched its South African chapter.
AELC is a business partnership amongst business communities in Africa that seeks to transform the face of business on the continent and grow economies equitably, by supporting businesses, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs).
South Africa's chapter draws inspiration from the African Union Free Trade Agreement area aimed at reigniting industrialisation, boosting intra-African trade and empowering SMMEs to compete on global markets.
Speaking at the launch, Premier David Makhura called for competitive and conscious leadership in all sectors.
"We need leadership that invests in education that will create more entrepreneurs. This will play a critical role in ensuring the African continent has ethical leaders who are well organised to grow the future of the continent." 
The council was initiated by the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni and comprises accomplished leaders between the ages of 25 and 35 who have established records of promoting innovation.
Makhura said leadership must understand the fast-paced changes in the economy and the threats it faces.
"How do we position African economies and their future from the forces that are shaping and threatening human existence?" he asked.
Technological trends, he said, have the potential to alter the way we relate to each other.
"Digital skills will be essential for the survival of future generations. Leadership should understand this transition and how we can move the public and business to respond to the fourth industrial revolution."
He called on the next generation of Africans to contribute to ground-breaking innovations and be pandemic ready by building healthcare systems that can proactively respond to conflicts and wars.
Furthermore, Makhura told delegates to come up with solutions to the rapid urbanization problem.
"We need to rethink the design of the cities. We need to build opportunities even in the rural areas," he said adding that the shift must be grounded on the spirit of Ubuntu.
AECL co-founder Percy Morapedi Koji said it is time for Africa to strive and open its doors for businesses that the coming generation can take to greater heights.
In May the AECL will host the Namibia Intra-Africa Expo and Doing Business in Africa Summit.