This special issue draws from a collection of interdisciplinary research to investigate the interplay of underdevelopment, corruption, and poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using case studies from mostly four countries —Nigeria, South Africa, Burundi and Zimbabwe, the essays here-in explore the intricate web of challenges and opportunities that define these elements across the region. From examining the transnational dynamics that facilitate the persistence of corruption, economic underdevelopment, and poverty in the region, to evaluating the continuous impact of such elements on youth behaviour across regional borders and boundaries, the essays aim to identify innovative strategies, policy interventions, and grassroots initiatives that hold the potential to foster sustainable progress and bring about positive changes across the region. Ultimately, the articles offer valuable insights into the complexities and nuances of the challenges faced by these nations and suggest pathways toward their resolution. The issue opens with a Nigerian case study, "Proposing „Obinomia‟ as a public leadership framework in the re-making of Nigeria's agenda", where Stephen Oguji and Kingsley Amaechi problematise the dominant western-based leadership frameworks and lack of accountability of political leaders, as the main factor behind the country's poverty paradox. Drawing on a carefully developed local-based, pragmatic and philosophical leadership framework (coined as ‗Obinomia‟), of mainly ethical prudence, probity,