President Paul Kagame has held talks with former South African President Thabo Mbeki on the role of good governance and accountable leadership in driving Africa’s transformation.
The meeting took place in Kigali on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, on the sidelines of the Africa Mindset Reset Forum, a high-level gathering focused on rethinking Africa’s approach to development, leadership and continental integration.
According to the Office of the President, Kagame and Mbeki discussed the objectives of the forum, particularly the mindset shift Africa needs to better harness its opportunities and accelerate development.
The two leaders also discussed the importance of good governance as a foundation for achieving sustainable transformation across the continent.
Mbeki, who served as South Africa’s president from 1999 to 2008, has long advocated for greater African self-reliance and stronger efforts by African countries to develop solutions to their own challenges.
During the forum, Mbeki also commended Kagame for his role in establishing the African School of Governance (ASG), saying the institution could help prepare a new generation of African leaders.
“I thank President Paul Kagame for his role in initiating this school, which gives Africa’s youth an opportunity to participate in the governance and future of the continent,” Mbeki said.
The Africa Mindset Reset Forum brought together African leaders, policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders to discuss the mindset changes needed to help the continent make better use of its resources and opportunities.
Discussions at the forum emphasised that a change in mindset alone cannot deliver lasting transformation without responsible leadership, accountability and institutions that put citizens’ interests at the centre of development.
The Kagame-Mbeki meeting placed governance at the heart of the wider debate on Africa’s future, reinforcing the view that the continent’s development ambitions require effective institutions, accountable leadership and the ability to translate policies and commitments into tangible results.
