Thoko Kaime is head of the Africa division at Exclusive Analysis, a London-based strategic intelligence company that forecasts violent and political risks worldwide.
Mr Kaime, who holds a PhD in law from the University of London, is a member of the Malawi Bar and visiting faculty at the School of Law, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). He maintains broad research and professional interests in public international and trade law and its relationship to the African political economy.
Mr Kaime says the biggest challenge he faces on a day-to-day basis is determining what his next goal will be. “The greatest lesson I have learned thus far is that some mountains are better scaled on the sides,” he says.
He believes that in order to succeed in an African context it is critical to focus, to work hard and persevere. “Africa has a lot of potential, albeit not without risks. The greatest asset that an individual, corporation or community could possess is the ability to identify the opportunities that are available and the means to isolate associated risks. However, the aphorism that if you fall, you must get back on that camel, is also applicable,” he says.
Looking more broadly at Africa’s image abroad, he believes the key to reinventing the continent is good leadership.
“We need to galvanise efforts to establish leadership that is responsive to the needs of Africans,” he says. “Unless we address the basic problems that many African families face through responsible leadership, many of the shortcomings that have held back our communities for a long time will continue to influence the image of Africa abroad.”
Thoko Kaime’s African hero: African mothers.
“I would single out African mothers everywhere. Their strength and hope has carried many of us, even when faced with impossible odds.”