The Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT has launched its new podcast, “A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif”, a series that brings together the stories of those brave enough to engage in leadership, with a focus on those who are working hard to see entrepreneurs thrive across growth markets.
The podcast will feature individuals who not only stand strong in their purpose, but are also working hard to create change, now and for the future.
The inaugural episode features an insightful conversation with President Dr. Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi of the Republic of Botswana, a visionary public servant dedicated to leveraging innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships to shape the future of Botswana and, by extension, Africa.
In the initial episode, President Dr. Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi of the Republic of Botswana talks about his career in public service and his own beliefs around leadership as well as the kind of leadership that Africa needs.
President Masisi highlights the importance of making sustainable, long-term decisions that serve the broader public interest, laying the groundwork for future generations. As Botswana transitions from a resource-driven economy to a knowledge-based economy, he boldly shared the rationale behind his ambitious “Reset and Reclaim” agenda, which is aimed at unlocking Botswana’s potential through innovation and investment in human capital.
“Africa is proud. It is beautiful, it [has] intelligent people and wonderful resources, it [has] capacity, and it is potentially much more prosperous if not abused.” He continued, “We are clear. We want innovation. We want to dig in deep, get the very best that we have and can generate, and share it with the world, and the world only owes us a fair price,” President Masisi said.
During the conversation, when asked about the current narrative around Africa, he was clear about rejecting the outdated stereotypes that have long shaped global perceptions of the Continent.
“Africa is rich not only in resources but in untapped talent, innovation, and opportunity,” Masisi said, adding asserted, “This negative, condescending narrative of Africa being essentially problematic, deficient in everything of value, is not only false and baseless, [but] it is also determined deliberately as a precursor to conquest. And I want to invite everybody who seeks peace to begin by rejecting that notion.”
Dina H. Sherif, Executive Director of the Legatum Center and host of the series produced monthly by the Center, said the podcast aims at amplifying the voices of purpose-driven individuals, like His Excellency President Masisi, who are laying the foundation for inclusive, innovation-driven prosperity in Africa and the world.
Listeners are invited to tune in to “A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif,” available now on all podcast platforms and via the Center’s Youtube Channel. Upcoming episodes will factor in various influential voices from around the world.
