Firms urged to rethink leadership as global uncertainty rises

DAR ES SALAAM: FIRMS have been urged to rethink their leadership models and embrace inclusive decision-making as rapid technological change, geopolitical tensions and shifting workforce expectations render traditional management approaches increasingly ineffective.

The call was made by Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) Deputy Director General, Dr David Kalaba, during the launch of the Female Future Programme Cohort recently in Dar es Salaam.

He said the fast-changing and unpredictable global environment is making hierarchical, command-and-control leadership styles obsolete, calling for a new generation of leaders who are agile and globally minded.

“We are no longer in a predictable world. Leaders must be agile, globally minded and able to make sound decisions under uncertainty,” he said.

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Dr Kalaba noted that the future of leadership will be anchored on influence, collaboration and adaptability, warning that organisations that fail to adjust risk losing competitiveness and long-term sustainability. He stressed that building resilient and inclusive leadership pipelines is now a strategic priority, with women playing a central role in driving organisational success.

The Female Future Programme, organised by the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE) in collaboration with ESAMI, aims to equip women with leadership skills and prepare them for senior roles. Since its inception in 2016, the initiative has benefited more than 800 women, with this year’s Cohort 12 comprising 142 participants undertaking a nine-month leadership programme.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen leadership capacity and position organisations to better navigate emerging global challenges. Dr Kalaba added that empowering women must go beyond the workplace, calling for consistency in leadership support across both professional and social spaces.

ATE Chief Executive Officer, Ms Suzanne NdombaDoran, said the programme has grown into a transformative platform for women leaders across sectors. She noted that the initiative has contributed to increased productivity, stronger leadership pipelines and greater confidence among women in leadership roles.