The third Africa governance and leadership convention came to an end yesterday with a call to entrench democratic and development leadership. The leaders said good governance will ensure sustainable wealth and job creation, especially among the youth.

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa director of economic development and Nepad vision Emmanuel Nnadozie said African leaders must put in place policies that support growth of small and big businesses.

"Focus on productive sectors, such as in agriculture and mining must be prioritised. The public and private sector on the continent must, moreover, seek to modernise agriculture and agri-business to make it appealing to educated youth," said Nnadozie. The leaders, who have been meeting annually for the last three years, said democracy must be reflected not just in regular free and fair elections, but also in free, fair and equitable access to opportunities by all citizens.

"There must also be free, fair and just participation in wealth and job creation and benefits accruing from such wealth and job creation. The convention has been held in Mombasa since its inception. It is organised by the Kenya Institute of Management and Nigeria's Africa Leadership Forum.

This year's meeting was scheduled to be held in Nigeria but was later rescheduled due to the unrest in the country caused by the Boko Haram group. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is the patron. Next year's meeting will be held in South Africa and will be hosted by the co-convenor former South African President Thabo Mbeki.