By Tebogo Moraka, Founder & CEO, Home of Nula
In Africa’s high-pressure business landscape, where the stakes are as vast as the opportunities, leadership often comes at a personal cost. Recent research shows that over 60% of African executives experience symptoms of burnout, and 70% admit that workplace stress has impacted their physical health and decision-making capacity (Deloitte Africa, 2023).
Despite the prestige of the boardroom, a quiet epidemic persists: leaders are expected to operate at a relentless pace, yet very few have the practical tools or even cultural permission to prioritise wellbeing. As we strive to build businesses and legacies that matter, it’s time to ask: what if wellness isn’t a luxury, but a leadership imperative?
The Case for Wellness in African Leadership Globally, workplace wellness has become a key driver of productivity, retention and innovation. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that for every $1 invested in workplace wellness, companies can expect a $4 return in improved health and productivity. Yet, Africa faces a unique intersection of pressures—rapid economic growth, intergenerational expectations, and social responsibilities that rest heavily on those who lead.
Africa’s demographic landscape makes intergenerational collaboration not just valuable, but necessary. With a median age of just 19 years—the youngest of any continent—over 60% of Africa’s population is under 25 (UN Population Division, 2023). Meanwhile, women are increasingly taking up leadership positions and shaping the future of business and society. Harnessing the wisdom of seasoned leaders alongside the creativity and digital fl uency of younger generations off ers a powerful, sustainable path forward. Experience should be valued and not left behind; seasoned leaders have a critical role to play, and their perspectives can drive lasting organisational value.
A 2022 study by ICAS Africa found that nearly 80% of African employees, including leaders, reported moderate to severe workplace stress, with 53% citing lack of work-life balance and stigma around mental health as major barriers to seeking help. The cost is real: executive absenteeism, strained professional relationships, health claims and impaired judgment all threaten organisational sustainability.
My Story: Leading with Wellness at the Core As the founder of Home of Nula, my journey was born out of necessity. I witnessed fi rst-hand how chronic stress and neglect of self-care could erode not just wellbeing, but vision, relationships and purpose. Reimagining what leadership could look like, I made a commitment to integrate practical wellbeing habits, modern workplace tools and clear boundaries into my daily life and business.
This shift did not just benefi t me personally—it transformed my work culture, improved clarity in decision-making and deepened my connection to the mission of our business.
A Framework for Thriving Leaders Here are five practical steps to start meaningfully re-centering wellness as an African leader for enduring success:
1. Micro-Breaks Matter: Research shows that leaders who take even fi ve minutes daily for mindful breaks or focused breathing report 31% lower stress and improved cognitive function (McKinsey Health Institute, 2023).
2. Embrace Culturally Relevant Wellness Practices: African leaders can benefi t from the wealth of locally available wellness practices—such as functional herbal teas over coff ee, scheduled recreational activities as part of performance reviews, and meaningful peer support groups—to counteract modern burnout and workplace dysfunction.
3. Collaborate Across Generations and Genders: Foster dedicated and constructive cross-generational, racial and gender dialogue and shared learning. For example, pair experienced leaders with emerging talent—particularly young women, who are becoming an increasingly dynamic force in African leadership. Diverse, inclusive teams have been shown to drive higher innovation and resilience (McKinsey, 2023). Creating space for multiple voices strengthens organisational wellbeing and relevance.
4. Set Leadership Boundaries: A Harvard Business Review study (2022) found that executives who set clear digital and interpersonal boundaries are 40% less likely to suff er from chronic burnout and its related consequences.
5. Lead for Legacy, Not Just Output: When leaders model healthy work habits, research shows teams are more engaged and 20% more likely to stay (Gallup Africa, 2023). Wellness is a multiplier: your own alignment ripples out, fostering healthier, more innovative organisations.
Quick Tools for the African Boardroom
- Morning intention: Start each day with gratitude and a simple wellness practice (a short walk or exercise, a cup of functional herbal tea, mindful breathing or meditation).
- Digital sunset: Set a fi rm end to digital communications to protect evening rest.
- Team check-ins: Prioritise regular, honest conversations about wellbeing and workload.
- Reverse mentoring: Schedule learning sessions where both senior and junior team members share insights and experiences.
A Call to African Leaders If we are to reimagine power progressively on this continent, let it begin with a new model of leadership—one that prioritises wellbeing and champions the power of every generation, race and gender. Our opportunity is not just to lead, but to create workplaces and communities where all can thrive.
Discover more wellness resources and tools at www.homeofnula.com.
