Many people have likened African countries’ economic growth to China’s, whose rise as an economic powerhouse in the last 25 years was largely fueled by innovation. The majority of China’s exports are machinery, transportation and electrical products. These exports are linked to major economic powerhouses in the world (USA, Germany, UK) and the majority of African economies revolve around the export of natural resources – but “innovation” is merely a buzzword used by many of its leaders.

The contrast in professional training of African leaders compared to China’s is striking. In the past 25 years, all three presidents and nearly 12 vice presidents in China studied and practiced engineering and/or mathematics. In Africa, at least 17 current heads of state have a military background. Another 17 studied law, public policy or economics. Fewer than ten African countries have leaders who studied science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).

For Africa to continue succeeding, its leaders must have some first-hand experience in science and innovation. They must be problem solvers and understand that a technical workforce is needed to compete in the global economy.

I hear most of the successful corporate leaders in Kenya have engineering background. Some later took other course like MBA and became perfect. So no wonder China succeeded.

I'm equating this to country leaders too. I can see you're one of them (but do you say), we have hope in Kenya, please work up the ladder and become our prezo

The average politicians we see, never run a business, they don't even run house, they don't even run a marriage, and they try to run your country.