Technological disruption must be incorporated into the strategic decisions of boards of directors, or organizations risk compromising their transformative capacity. This warning was issued by Esselina Macome, chairperson of the board of Standard Bank, who advocated for institutional leadership that is more attentive to the demands of the digital era and the social role of organizations.
“Boards of directors cannot ignore technological disruption,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency of adopting good practices suited to the new context. Speaking during the panel on “Boards of Directors that Transform,” Macome noted that governance principles are widely recognized, but the real challenge lies in their practical application.
“The big question is how we put them into practice,” she declared, stressing the need for ethical, responsible actions that have an impact both within institutions and in society at large.
Diversity of Skills, Gender, and Age Strengthens Board Decisions and Critical Capacity
Macome considered it essential that board members remain continuously updated, particularly in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. In her view, boards should promote a culture of continuous learning and create conditions for the ethical and efficient adoption of digital innovations. “We must use them for the benefit of the organization and the people,” she affirmed.
During the debate, the importance of diversity as a strategic factor on boards of directors was also highlighted. The presence of varied profiles—across skills, gender, and age groups—was identified as essential for strengthening critical capacity and the quality of decisions in an environment of increasing demands and continuous transformation. The session concluded with a reaffirmation that corporate governance will only be effective if it is socially relevant. “An organization that is not useful to society contributes little,” summarized Macome, calling for leadership more committed to the common good.
The panel was held as part of the 1st Mozambican Corporate Governance Congress, promoted by Standard Bank, taking place this Thursday (14) in Maputo. The event brings together directors, managers, and national and international experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of modern governance in both the public and private sectors.
Text: Felisberto Ruco
