Why must it take a leader from across the Atlantic to tell Africa how to face tomorrow with confidence? Why must it take a speech by US President Barack Obama for us to believe again in the future of this continent? We ask these questions not because we are unaware of our problems - and the solutions. We ask them because of the painfully slow progress of African governments in opening the door to a better tomorrow.Obama's speech in Ethiopia yesterday goes to the heart of what we Africans dread hearing and fear to discuss. As the world moves rapidly to meet today' s challenges , this continent cannot afford to be robbed of its potential by our inability to face the truth.In his speech Obama touched on a number of key topics - including governance, the economy and health. But he h it the nail on the head when he turned his focus to leadership." ... old thinking can be a stubborn thing," he said, adding that "we need term limits" because "old people think the old way".If we fail to defeat dictatorship and rein in presidents hellbent on serving multiple terms, we will continue to struggle to shape a new and better Africa.Africans should not bow to those who believe that they hold an exclusive right to lead.Africa should resist being ruled by Big Old Men and despots who refuse to leave office.The African Union should focus on building strong institutions to fight corruption and improve people's lives.Former president Nelson Mandela showed the way when he left office after serving only one term . It is possible, through constant dialogue, to turn dark days into a bright tomorrow.As Obama jets back to the US, his message to Africa should be decoded, debated and used to spark a new conversation in our homes.Africa deserves better, and the future depends on what we do today and tomorrow...