Ethical leadership anchors governance: CGI Zimbabwe

PHILLIMON MHLANGA IN NYANGA
Ethical leadership is becoming the defining factor in helping organisations navigate an increasingly complex governance landscape, as digital transformation and rising stakeholder expectations fundamentally reshape the way institutions operate, Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGI Zimbabwe) president Tendayi Kanjanda has said.
Addressing the institute’s 2026 Winter School in Nyanga on Thursday, Kanjanda said organisations were operating in one of the most disruptive periods in modern history, making robust governance frameworks indispensable for institutional resilience, sustainable growth and long-term economic success.
He said businesses and public institutions were grappling with rapid technological change, increasingly demanding stakeholders, more complex regulatory requirements and mounting pressure to integrate sustainability into their strategies, underscoring the need for principled, ethical and accountable leadership.
“We are living through a period of unprecedented change. Technology is transforming the way organizations operate. Stakeholder expectations continue to evolve. Regulatory requirements are becoming increasingly complex. Sustainability considerations are reshaping business strategies. At the same time, organizations are expected to demonstrate higher levels of transparency, accountability and ethical leadership,” Kanjanda said.
He noted that these changes demanded governance and accountancy professionals who could provide sound leadership while safeguarding ethical standards.
“Our organizations continue to navigate a dynamic economic environment characterized by rapid technological change, increased stakeholder scrutiny, evolving regulatory requirements and growing expectations for responsible leadership. In such an environment, strong governance should enable us to succeed,” he said.
Kanjanda said the rapid adoption of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and automation, presented significant opportunities for organizations, but warned that innovation must never come at the expense of ethics.
“It is important to develop ethical leadership. I am particularly passionate about the future of governance, artificial intelligence, automation and digital transformation. But even in that space, it is important for us to remain ethical. As we embark on a new chapter for our institute, our focus will be guided by several strategic priorities,” he said.
He described governance professionals as custodians of integrity whose responsibilities extend beyond compliance to building institutions capable of delivering sustainable economic growth.
“Our institute believes good governance remains one of the most important pillars of sustainable economic growth. It strengthens institutions, enhances accountability and protects stakeholders. We are guardians of trust. We are advisors to leadership. We are stewards of accountability,” Kanjanda said.
He challenged members of the profession to embrace innovation while remaining committed to serving the broader public interest.
“Let us lead with courage, embrace innovation and remain committed to our duty to serve the public interest. Together we can strengthen our institute, advance the governance and accountancy profession, and contribute meaningfully to building organizations and institutions that are ethical and sustainable,” he said.

Dr Gomera

CGI Zimbabwe chief executive officer Dr Lovemore Gomera echoed the sentiments, saying ethical leadership had become indispensable as institutions adapt to increasingly complex operating environments.
“Ethical and responsible leadership are critical to building stronger institutions in an evolving operating environment,” Dr Gomera said.
His remarks reinforced growing calls for stronger governance systems across both the public and private sectors as organizations grapple with technological disruption, rising compliance obligations and increasing demands for accountability.
Corporate governance experts argue that ethical leadership has become a strategic imperative rather than a compliance exercise, particularly as organizations integrate artificial intelligence into decision-making and business operations. They say institutions that combine innovation with transparency, accountability and sound governance will be better positioned to earn stakeholder trust, attract investment and achieve long-term sustainability.