In a moment steeped in royalty, dignity, and intellectual promise, Her Majesty Queen Nozizwe Pearl Mulela, Managing Director of Eswatini Bank and esteemed consort of His Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini of the Zulu Nation, South Africa, arrived in Ghana to deliver the prestigious 7th Africa Leadership Lecture at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale.

Touching down at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra under the warmth of Ghana’s tropical sun, Her Majesty was gracefully welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor of UDS, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, and the University Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakar. A traditional Ghanaian welcome was accorded her, complete with cultural courtesies and warm smiles that reflect the deep spirit of African unity and hospitality.

The Queen is set to address the continent and the world from the Dr. Andani Andan Academic Board Chamber at UDS’s Central Administration, Tamale Campus, on Friday, 25th April 2025 at 2:00 PM. Her lecture, titled "Redefining Leadership for Africa’s Future: Ethics and Transformation," is anticipated to be a compelling call for a new moral compass and a visionary approach to leadership on the continent.

Ahead of the lecture, Her Majesty will arrive in Tamale on Thursday, 24th April 2025. She is scheduled to hold a press conference at the UDS Guest House, where she is expected to speak on the purpose of her visit, the themes of her upcoming lecture, and her views on Africa’s developmental trajectory in an increasingly complex world.

A Legacy of Leadership

The Africa Leadership Lecture Series, instituted by UDS in 2013, has become one of the continent’s most revered intellectual platforms. It aims to engage distinguished African leaders in sharing their experiences, philosophies, and ideas that can inspire the next generation of changemakers across the continent.

Over the years, the series has hosted a constellation of Africa’s finest statesmen, each of whom has contributed profoundly to the vision of a progressive, self-reliant Africa. These include:

1. H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria, whose lecture stirred debates on governance and Pan-Africanism.
2. H.E. Festus G. Mogae, Former President of the Republic of Botswana, who spoke passionately on sustainable development and peace.
3. H.E. Joaquim Chissano, Former President of Mozambique, who offered rare insights into post-conflict nation-building.
4. H.E. Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba, Former President of the Republic of Namibia, who highlighted the nexus between democracy and development.
5. H.E. Benjamin William Mkapa, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, remembered for his fiery critique of Africa’s economic dependency.

Queen Nozizwe Mulela, a trailblazer in the world of finance and a passionate advocate for youth and women’s empowerment, adds a new dimension to the lecture series, not only as a leader in the boardroom but also as a royal figure deeply invested in Africa’s holistic transformation.

Her presence is expected to elevate the conversation on ethics, accountability, and inclusive leadership, as Africa charts its way forward amidst global shifts.

As Ghana prepares to host this historic lecture, all eyes are on Tamale—the bustling academic and cultural hub of northern Ghana—where royalty will meet academia in a dialogue of vision, values, and a shared future.

Story by: Abdul Hayi Moomen, 
UDS Media